Cartridges for vaporizer devices

Abstract

A vaporizer cartridge for a vaporizer device is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the cartridge can include a vaporization channel configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from an atomizer to an outlet. The vaporization channel includes multiple channels, at least one of which is a grooved channel defining a fluid passage extending from a first end to a second end, the grooved channel having multiple grooves extending in a direction along the fluid passage. A vaporizer device is also disclosed herein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,144, entitled "Cartridges For Vaporizer Devices," filed August 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to vaporizer cartridges and vaporizer devices using same.

[0003] Background technology Vaporizer devices, which may also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used to deliver an aerosol (e.g., a gaseous and / or condensed phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier) containing one or more active ingredients via inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporizer device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of vaporizer devices that are battery-powered and can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but do not burn tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices have become increasingly popular in both prescription medical applications in delivering pharmaceuticals and for the consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient to use.

[0004] During use of a vaporizer device, a user inhales an aerosol, commonly referred to as a "vapor," which may be generated by a heating element that vaporizes (e.g., transitions a liquid or solid at least partially to the gas phase) a vaporizable material, which may be a liquid, solution, solid, paste, wax, and / or any other form compatible for use with the particular vaporizer device. The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device may be provided in a vaporizer cartridge (e.g., a separable portion of the vaporizer device that contains the vaporizable material) that includes an outlet (e.g., a mouthpiece) for inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol produced by the vaporizer device, a user can, in some examples, activate the vaporizer device by puffing, pressing a button, and / or in some other manner. As used herein, puffing can refer to a user inhaling in a manner that draws a volume of air into the vaporizer device such that the combination of the vaporized vaporizable material and the volume of air produces an inhalable aerosol.

[0006] The manner in which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporization chamber (e.g., a heater chamber) to convert the vaporizable material to a gas (or vapor) phase. The vaporization chamber can refer to the region or volume within the vaporizer device where a heat source (e.g., an electrically conductive, convective, and / or radiative heat source) causes the vaporizable material to heat and generate a mixture of air and vaporized material to form a vapor that is inhaled by a user of the vaporizer device.

[0007] In some implementations, vaporizable material can be drawn from a reservoir into a vaporization chamber. However, application of heat, manual pressure, or any type of negative pressure event (e.g., a pressure drop in an aircraft cabin) can cause the volume or bubble of air in the cartridge reservoir to expand as ambient pressure becomes negative relative to the internal pressure. Unfortunately, such pressure changes can cause the vaporizable material to overflow directly from the reservoir, for example, through a wicking element and into the cartridge's fluid passageway (e.g., airflow passageway). This can allow direct inhalation of the liquid vaporizable material, thereby causing an undesirable sensation or taste in the user's mouth.

[0008] Alternatively, or in addition, in some implementations, vaporizing a vaporizable material into an aerosol can result in the collection of condensate along one or more internal channels and outlets of some vaporizer devices (e.g., along the airflow tube and / or mouthpiece). For example, such condensate may include vaporizable material drawn from a reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into condensate before exiting the vaporizer device. Moreover, the condensate may migrate away from the mouthpiece and eventually form a meniscus over one or more of the air inlets of the airflow tube. As a result, the condensate may be directly inhaled by a user during use of the vaporizer device, causing both an unpleasant user experience and a reduction in the amount of inhalable aerosol that would otherwise be available. Furthermore, the accumulation and loss of condensate may eventually prevent all of the vaporizable material from being drawn into the vaporization chamber from the reservoir, thereby wasting the vaporizable material. For example, as fine particles of vaporizable material accumulate within the internal channel of the airflow tube downstream of the vaporization chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the airflow tube narrows, thus increasing the air flow rate, thereby exerting a drag force on the accumulated fluid and, as a result, increasing the likelihood of fluid entrainment from the internal channel through the mouthpiece outlet.

[0009] Leaking vaporizable material is generally problematic because such leakage typically interferes with the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer device (e.g., the leaking vaporizable material blocks electrical ports or creates stains that require cleaning). Additionally, the user experience is adversely affected by leaking vaporizable material from a cartridge due to the potential for contamination or damage to other items or fabrics adjacent to the leaking cartridge.

[0010] Therefore, vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges that address one or more of these issues are desirable.

[0011] Summary of the Invention In certain aspects of the present subject matter, challenges associated with direct inhalation of liquid vaporizable materials can be addressed by including one or more of the features described herein or equivalent / equivalent approaches, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Aspects of the present subject matter relate to vaporizer cartridges for use in vaporizer devices and vaporizer devices.

[0012] In some implementations, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any workable combination.

[0013] In one implementation, an exemplary cartridge for a vaporizer device includes a cartridge housing and a vaporization channel extending at least partially through the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing includes a reservoir configured to selectively contain a vaporizable material. The vaporization channel is configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to an outlet of the cartridge. The vaporization channel includes a plurality of first channels, each of which forms a fluid passage extending from a first end to a second end of the first channel, the first end being proximate to the atomizer. The vaporization channel also includes at least one second channel in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of first channels, the at least one second channel being proximate to the outlet. At least one of the plurality of first channels is a grooved channel having a groove extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the grooved channel such that at least one fluid passage of the grooved channel and another of the first channels remains open to allow vaporized material to pass therethrough and enter the at least one second channel.

[0014] In some implementations, at least one of the first channels of the plurality of first channels can have a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

[0015] In some implementations, the vaporization channel can include a first segment and a second segment downstream of the first segment. The first segment can include multiple first channels. The first segment can have a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge. In certain implementations, the second segment can include at least one second channel.

[0016] In some implementations, at least one groove of the plurality of grooves can have a triangular configuration.

[0017] In some implementations, the vaporization channel can include a baffle that can be disposed between the plurality of first channels. The baffle can be configured to promote mixing of the air and the vaporized material in the vaporization channel.

[0018] In some implementations, the reservoir can include a storage chamber that can be configured to selectively contain a vaporizable material and a collector that can be in fluid communication with the storage chamber. The plurality of first channels can be disposed within the collector. In some implementations, a portion of the second segment of the vaporization channel can be located within the collector. In certain implementations, the cartridge can include a sprayer, and the sprayer can include a sprayer housing having a wicking element disposed therein and in fluid communication with the plurality of first channels. The collector can include at least one recess defined therein, and the at least one recess can form a gap between the collector and the sprayer housing that can prevent the vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outermost surface of the collector and an upper outermost surface of the sprayer housing. The sprayer can include a heating element that can have a heating portion that can be disposed within the sprayer housing and a connecting portion that can be at least partially disposed outside the sprayer housing. The gap can be located between the connecting portion of the heating element and the collector. The collector may also include at least one tab that may extend outward from a bottom surface of the collector. The at least one tab may be configured to be inserted into a respective notch in the sprayer housing such that a portion of the connecting portion is disposed between the at least one tab and the sprayer housing. In such an implementation, the at least one recess in the collector may be disposed adjacent to and proximate to the at least one tab. The at least one tab may have a trapezoidal shape.

[0019] In some implementations, the cartridge can include a wicking element that can be disposed within the cartridge housing. The groove can be in fluid communication with the wicking element.

[0020] In some implementations, at least one other first channel of the plurality of first channels may be another grooved channel that may have a groove extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the other grooved channel.

[0021] In some implementations, the multiple first channels can be positioned laterally offset from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge housing.

[0022] In another implementation, an exemplary cartridge for a vaporizer device includes a vaporization channel extending from an atomizer toward an outlet of the cartridge, the vaporization channel being configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to the outlet, the vaporization channel including a plurality of channels, at least one of the plurality of channels being a grooved channel defining a fluid passageway extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being proximate to the atomizer, the grooved channel having a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along the fluid passageway.

[0023] In some implementations, at least one channel of the plurality of channels can have a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

[0024] In some implementations, the vaporization channel can include a first segment and a second segment downstream of the first segment. The first segment can include multiple channels, and the first segment can have a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge. In certain implementations, the second segment can include at least one other channel, and the at least one other channel can be in fluid communication with the multiple channels.

[0025] In some implementations, at least one groove of the plurality of grooves can have a triangular configuration.

[0026] In some implementations, the vaporization channel can include a baffle that can be positioned between the channels and can be configured to promote mixing of the air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel.

[0027] In some implementations, the cartridge can include a wicking element that can be disposed within the cartridge. The groove can be in fluid communication with the wicking element.

[0028] In some implementations, at least one other channel of the plurality of channels can be another grooved channel, with the grooves extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the other grooved channel.

[0029] In some implementations, the multiple channels can be positioned laterally offset from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0030] Also disclosed is a vaporizer device. In one implementation, an exemplary vaporizer device includes a vaporizer body and any of the cartridges described above, where the cartridge is configured to be coupled to the vaporizer body.

[0031] In some implementations, the cartridge may be removable from the vaporizer body.

[0032] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of one implementation of a vaporizer cartridge having a vaporization channel with grooved channels. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the vaporization channel of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a portion of the vaporization channel of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a partially transparent front view of a vaporizer device having a vaporizer body and a cartridge, showing the vaporizer body and cartridge uncoupled from each other. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a partially see-through front view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 5, showing the vaporizer cartridge inserted and coupled to the vaporizer body. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partially see-through front view of one implementation of a vaporizer cartridge having an atomizer housing and an atomizer with a heating element and a wicking element, and a collector with grooved channels. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a front view of the collector of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the collector of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of the atomizer of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a top-down perspective view of the atomizer assembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a view of the atomizer of FIG. 10 showing only the atomizer housing. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the atomizer and collector of FIG. 6 taken at line 13. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is another cross-sectional side view of the atomizer and collector of FIG. 6 taken at line 13. FIG.

[0035] Wherever practical, like reference numerals refer to like structures, features, or elements.

[0036] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Implementations of the present subject matter include methods, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and systems related to vaporizing one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Exemplary implementations include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. As used in the following description and claims, the term "vaporizer device" refers to either a self-contained device, a device including two or more separable parts (e.g., a vaporizer body including a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge including a vaporizable material), or the like. As used herein, a "vaporizer system" can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizers consistent with implementations of the present subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and the like. Generally, such vaporizer devices are handheld devices that heat a vaporizable material (e.g., by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

[0037] The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer device can be provided in a cartridge (e.g., a portion of a vaporizer that stores the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container) that can be refillable when empty or can be disposable so that a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of the same or different type can be used. The vaporizer device can be a vaporizer device that uses a cartridge, a vaporizer device that does not have a cartridge, or a multi-use vaporizer device that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, the vaporizer device can include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven or other area in which the material is heated by a heating element) configured to receive the vaporizable material directly into the heating chamber, and / or a reservoir for storing the vaporizable material, etc.

[0038] In some implementations, the vaporizer device can be configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material. For example, the liquid vaporizable material may include a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive ingredients are suspended or held in solution. Alternatively, the liquid vaporizable material may be the liquid vaporizable material itself. The liquid vaporizable material may be capable of being completely vaporized. Alternatively, at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material may remain after all of the inhalable material has vaporized.

[0039] Various events, such as the application of heat, manual pressure, or any type of negative pressure event (e.g., a pressure drop in an aircraft cabin), can cause ambient pressure to drop relative to the cartridge's internal pressure. This change in pressure can cause vaporizable material (e.g., liquid vaporizable material) to leak into the environment or other parts of the cartridge. By way of example, these unwanted leaks can cause vaporizable material to escape from the cartridge's mouthpiece outlet and deposit in the user's mouth. Additionally, condensation formation within the cartridge's airflow channel (e.g., vaporization channel) can cause vaporizable material in the form of condensate to escape from the cartridge's mouthpiece outlet and deposit in the user's mouth. These events can result in an unpleasant user experience and reduce the amount of inhalable aerosol that would otherwise be available. Furthermore, leaks of vaporizable material can occur, hindering the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer device, both of which impact the user experience. Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below.

[0040] The vaporizer cartridges described herein utilize grooved channels within the cartridge's vaporization channel to capture vaporizable material (e.g., liquid vaporizable material) that bypasses the vaporization process (e.g., as a result of a negative pressure event, condensation formation, etc.) and redirect the vaporizable material so as not to block the vaporization channel. That is, the grooved channels are configured to collect and remove (e.g., drain) the vaporizable material from the vaporization channel, preventing it from accumulating in a user's mouth while the user puffs or inhales directly on the vaporizer cartridge itself or a mouthpiece coupled to it. Thus, for example, direct inhalation of liquid vaporizable material can be avoided. Furthermore, collection and removal of vaporizable material from the vaporization channel can also inhibit leakage of vaporizable material from the cartridge, for example, through an outlet. Vaporizable material that bypasses the vaporization process can be referred to as unvaporized vaporizable material.

[0041] The vaporizer cartridges described herein generally include a vaporization channel having multiple channels (e.g., multiple first channels), at least one of which is grooved. The grooved channel defines a fluid passage extending from a first end to a second end. The grooved channel includes multiple grooves extending along the fluid passage, which function as a microfluidic mechanism for removing unvaporized vaporizable material present within the fluid passage. More specifically, the multiple grooves help maintain an unobstructed fluid passage along the vaporization channel. As a result, vaporized material can freely pass through the vaporization channel from the atomizer to the cartridge outlet, without resulting in an undesirable sensation or taste in the user's mouth that would otherwise result from direct inhalation of unvaporized vaporizable material.

[0042] The vaporization channel is configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to the outlet of the cartridge. The multiple channels (e.g., the multiple first channels) can be positioned at various orientations within the vaporization channel. For example, the multiple channels can be positioned laterally offset from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0043] The multiple channels (e.g., the multiple first channels) can have various configurations. For example, in some implementations, at least one channel of the multiple channels can have a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge. In other implementations, at least one channel of the multiple channels or another channel can have a cross-section that tapers away from the outlet of the cartridge (e.g., toward the sprayer of the cartridge). In certain implementations, all channels of the multiple channels can have a cross-section that tapers toward or away from the outlet of the cartridge. In other implementations, all channels of the multiple channels can have a cross-section that does not taper. In some implementations, at least one channel of the multiple channels can have a cross-section that is rectangular in shape.

[0044] In some implementations, the plurality of channels can include one or more additional grooved channels. For example, in one implementation, the plurality of channels includes another grooved channel that can have grooves extending in a direction along the fluid path of the another grooved channel.

[0045] In some embodiments, the vaporization channel also includes at least one second channel in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of channels. The at least one second channel can be positioned at various locations within the vaporization channel. For example, the at least one second channel can be positioned adjacent to the outlet. In this manner, as a result of the grooved channel, the fluid passage of at least one of the grooved channels and another of the plurality of channels remains open to allow vaporized material to pass therethrough and enter the at least one second channel for inhalation by the user.

[0046] In some implementations, the vaporization channel can include a first segment and a second segment downstream of the first segment. The first and second segments can have various configurations. For example, in some implementations, the first segment can include multiple channels. Alternatively, or in addition, the second segment can include at least one other channel, and the at least one other channel can be in fluid communication with the multiple channels.

[0047] In some implementations, the vaporization channel may also include a baffle that may be positioned between the channels and configured to promote mixing of the air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel.

[0048] The grooves of the grooved channel can have various configurations. For example, in some implementations, at least one groove can extend along the entire length of the grooved channel. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one groove can extend along a portion of the length of the grooved channel. In some implementations, all of the grooves extend along the entire length of the grooved channel. In other implementations, all of the grooves extend along a portion of the length of the grooved channel.

[0049] The grooves can have a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, in some implementations, at least one groove can have a triangular configuration. In other implementations, at least one groove can have any other suitable geometric configuration, such as a closed tubular configuration, a circle, a rectangle, a c-shape, etc.

[0050] In some implementations, the plurality of channels can include another grooved channel, where the groove extends in a direction along the fluid passage of the other grooved channel. The other grooved channel can have a structural configuration similar to or identical to the structural configuration of at least one groove of the above-described grooved channels. For example, in some implementations, all grooved channels of the vaporization channel can be similar or identical. In other implementations, the other grooved channel can have a different structural configuration (e.g., shape, size, etc.) than at least one groove of the above-described grooved channels. For example, in certain implementations, at least one grooved channel can be different from another grooved channel of the vaporization channel. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and structural configuration of the grooved channels depend at least on the structural dimensions of the vaporization channel and the cartridge itself.

[0051] The cartridges disclosed herein can have various configurations and can include additional elements of the vaporization channel. For example, the cartridge can include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can extend from a first end to a second end, with a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cartridge housing can include a reservoir configured to selectively contain a vaporizable material.

[0052] The reservoir can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the reservoir can include a reservoir chamber that can be configured to selectively contain a vaporizable material and a collector that can be in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber.

[0053] The collector can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some implementations, multiple channels can be disposed within the collector. Thus, a grooved channel can be disposed within the collector. The multiple channels can be disposed laterally offset from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge housing. Each channel can form a fluid passage extending from a first end to a second end of the channel, the first end being proximate to the atomizer. In some implementations, a portion of the second segment of the vaporization channel can be located within the collector.

[0054] In certain implementations, the cartridge can include a sprayer. The sprayer can have various configurations. For example, in some implementations, the sprayer can include a sprayer housing having a wicking element disposed therein and capable of fluidly communicating with the plurality of first channels. Alternatively, or in addition, the sprayer can include a heating element having a heating portion that can be disposed within the sprayer housing and a connecting portion that can be at least partially disposed outside the sprayer housing.

[0055] In some implementations, the collector can include at least one recess defined therein, and the at least one recess can form a gap between the collector and the atomizer housing that can prevent vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outermost surface of the collector and a top outermost surface of the atomizer housing. In certain embodiments, the gap can be located between a connecting portion of the heating element and the collector.

[0056] Alternatively, or in addition, the collector may include at least one tab that may extend outward from a bottom surface of the collector. The at least one tab may be configured to be inserted into a respective notch in the sprayer housing such that a portion of the connecting portion is disposed between the at least one tab and the sprayer housing. In such an implementation, the at least one recess in the collector may be disposed adjacent to and proximate to the at least one tab. The at least one tab may have various configurations. For example, in one implementation, the at least one tab has a trapezoidal shape. In other implementations, the at least one tab may have other suitable shapes, such as a triangle, a square, or the like.

[0057] In some implementations, the cartridge can include a wicking element that can be disposed within the cartridge. In such implementations, the grooves of the grooved channel (and any additional grooved channels) can be in fluid communication with the wicking element.

[0058] To further illustrate, Figures 1-7 depict various examples of vaporizer cartridges including vaporization channels consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. Additionally, Figures 4 and 5 depict one example of a vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge disclosed herein.

[0059] 1-3 depict an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 100 for a vaporizer device. More specifically, the vaporizer cartridge 100 includes a cartridge housing 102 and a vaporization channel 104 extending at least partially through the cartridge housing 102. In this implementation, the vaporization channel 104 leads to an outlet 106 of the cartridge 100, which in this case is also the outlet of the cartridge housing 102. In other implementations, the outlet of the cartridge 100 can be the outlet of a mouthpiece coupled to the end of the cartridge housing, the mouthpiece outlet being in fluid communication with the outlet of the cartridge housing. Furthermore, depending on the implementation, the vaporizer cartridge 100 can also include an atomizer 108, as generally shown in FIG. 1, although in other implementations, the atomizer 108 can be part of a vaporizer body, such as the vaporizer body 202 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The nebulizer 108 can be configured to vaporize a vaporizable material (eg, a liquid vaporizable material) within the cartridge housing 102 into a vaporized material for inhalation by a user.

[0060] The cartridge housing 102 includes a reservoir 110 configured to selectively hold a vaporizable material (e.g., a liquid vaporizable material). While the cartridge housing 102 can have a variety of sizes and shapes, the cartridge housing 102, as shown in FIG. 1, is substantially rectangular in shape and includes at least two sets of opposing sidewalls 112, 114, where a first set of opposing sidewalls 112 extends substantially perpendicular (e.g., in the Y direction) to a second set of opposing sidewalls 114. As shown, these sidewalls 112, 114 define at least a portion of the reservoir 110.

[0061] The cartridge housing 102 extends from a first end 116 to a second end 118, with a longitudinal axis L extending therebetween (e.g., extending in the Y direction). The outlet 106 of the cartridge housing 102 is disposed at the second end 118. As a result, the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102 can function as the mouthpiece of the cartridge 100 itself. During use, a user can puff at the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102, so that air and vaporized material within the vaporizer cartridge 100 can be delivered directly to the user from the outlet 106 for inhalation. Alternatively, a mouthpiece (not shown) can be coupled to the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102, in which case the user can inhale on the mouthpiece rather than directly on the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102. As such, air and vaporized material within the vaporizer cartridge 100 (e.g., within the vaporization channel 104) can travel from the outlet 106 to the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0062] 1, the vaporization channel 104 can extend from the nebulizer 108 to the outlet 106 of the cartridge 100, thus allowing fluid (e.g., vaporized material) to pass from the nebulizer 108 to the outlet 106 for inhalation by a user. The vaporization channel 104 can have a variety of configurations, but in some implementations, as shown in FIG. 1, the vaporization channel 104 includes a first segment 120 and a second segment 122 downstream from the first segment 120. For example, the second segment 122 can be positioned proximate to the outlet 106 of the cartridge housing 102.

[0063] The first segment 120 and the second segment 122 can each have a variety of configurations. In some implementations, the first segment 120 and the second segment 122 can have the same cross-sectional shape, while in other implementations, the first segment 120 and the second segment 122 can have different cross-sectional shapes relative to one another. In the illustrated implementation, the first segment 120 has a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet 106, and the second segment 122 has a cross-section that does not taper. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the first segment 120 can be non-tapered, and the cross-section of the second segment 122 can be either tapered or non-tapered. Furthermore, depending on the implementation, the first segment 120 can include a single channel or multiple channels. Similarly, depending on the implementation, the second segment 122 can include a single channel or multiple channels. Those skilled in the art will understand that the size, shape, and overall cross-section of the segment itself, as well as the number of channels within the segment, may depend at least on the structural dimensions of the other components of the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer cartridge itself.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 2 , the first segment 120 includes a plurality of first channels 124, in this example, two first channels 124 a, 124 b, and the second segment 122 includes at least one second channel 126 in fluid communication with the plurality of first channels 124. While two first channels 124 a, 124 b are shown, it should be understood that the vaporization channel 104 can include three or more first channels in other implementations and thus the number of first channels is not limited to the number depicted in FIG. 1 . Similarly, while the second channel includes a single second channel, it should be understood that the vaporization channel 104 can include more than a single second channel in other implementations and thus the number of second channels is not limited to the number depicted in FIG. 1 .

[0065] The two first channels 124a, 124b can be positioned within the vaporization channel 104 in a variety of different orientations. For example, in this implementation, the two first channels 124a, 124b can be positioned laterally offset from one another relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge housing 102. Each first channel 124a, 124b forms a respective fluid passage 128a, 128b configured to allow fluid (e.g., vaporized material) to pass therethrough from the sprayer 108 toward the outlet 106 of the cartridge 100. Each respective fluid passage 128a, 128b extends from a first end 130a, 132a to a second end 130b, 132b of its respective first channel 124a, 124b. The first ends 130 a , 132 a are proximate the atomizer 108 and the second ends 130 b , 132 b are proximate the second segment 122 of the vaporization channel 104 .

[0066] In some implementations, the vaporization channel 104 may include a baffle 134 configured to promote mixing of the vaporized material with air entering the vaporization channel 104, at least partially from the vaporizer 108. For example, as further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vaporization channel 104 includes a baffle 134 disposed between the plurality of first channels 124, more specifically, between two first channels 124 a, 124 b. As a result, the two first channels 124 a, 124 b are separated from each other by the baffle 134, and thus at least one wall of the channel is the baffle 134. In other implementations, the baffle 134 may be disposed in other suitable positions within the vaporization channel 104.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the two first channels 124a is a grooved channel 136 that includes a groove 138 that extends in a direction along the fluid passageway 128a of the one channel 124a. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3, the groove 138 can be disposed along a portion of the circumference of the grooved channel 136. In other implementations, the groove 138 can be disposed along the entire circumference of the grooved channel 136.

[0068] Groove 138 is configured to transport vaporizable material (e.g., liquid, unvaporized vaporizable material) present at least within grooved channel 136 or in fluid communication with at least the grooved channel 136 back toward sprayer 108 (e.g., back to the wicking element of sprayer 108 for reuse), thereby emptying grooved channel 136. As described above, vaporizable material can be present at least within grooved channel 136 as a result of a negative pressure event that causes vaporizable material to move from sprayer 108 toward outlet 106 of cartridge 100 and, consequently, into vaporization channel 104. Alternatively, or in addition, as described above, vaporizable material can be present at least within grooved channel 136 as a result of condensation formation within vaporization channel 106, e.g., second channel 126, with the resulting condensate moving down vaporization channel 104 away from outlet 106 of cartridge 100. Additionally, grooves 138 provide additional topography within grooved channel 136, which can prevent the meniscus of vaporizable material from wetting substantially the entire perimeter of grooved channel 136. As a result, fluid passageway 128a of grooved channel 136, and thus first channel 124a, can remain unblocked (open) for vaporized material to pass therethrough and into at least one second channel 126. This therefore prevents direct inhalation of vaporizable material that would otherwise be present within fluid passageway 128a.

[0069] Alternatively, or in addition, when vaporizable material is present in the vaporization channel 104, the other of the two first channels, the first channel 124b (e.g., the non-grooved channel), and therefore its fluid passage 128b, may also become clogged. In such a case, the groove 138 can draw the vaporizable material into the grooved channel 136 and away from the other first channel 124b. As a result, the fluid passage 128b of the other first channel 124b may become unblocked and thus remain open to allow the vaporized material to pass through it and enter the at least one second channel 126. Thus, in such a case, even if the grooved channel 136 remains blocked with vaporizable material, the fluid passage 128b of the other first channel 124b remains open, thereby avoiding direct inhalation of the vaporizable material that would otherwise be present in the vaporization channel 104. In either implementation, during use, the grooves 138 of the grooved channel 136 unblock at least one fluid passageway 128a, 128b of the grooved channel 136 and the other first channel 124b. In this manner, vaporized material has at least one fluid passageway 128a, 128b to travel from the nebulizer 108 to the at least one second channel 126 of the vaporization channel 104 and ultimately through the outlet 106 of the cartridge 100 for inhalation.

[0070] The grooves 138 can have various configurations. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the grooves 138 are tapered such that the grooves 138 widen toward the first end 130 a of the first channel 124 a (i.e., the grooved channel 136) and narrow toward the second end 130 b of the first channel 124 a. Furthermore, in this implementation, all of the grooves 138 have a triangular configuration. However, in other implementations, the grooves 138 can have other suitable shapes, such as a closed tubular configuration, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a C-shape, etc. Furthermore, in some implementations, the grooves 138 can include grooves of different shapes relative to one another. It should be understood that the number, size, and shape of the grooves depend at least on the structural configuration of the vaporization channel, and therefore, the number, size, and shape of the grooves are not limited to those depicted in FIGS. 1-3 .

[0071] 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary vaporizer device 200 including a vaporizer body 202 and a vaporizer cartridge 204. In FIG. 4, the vaporizer body 202 and the vaporizer cartridge 204 are shown in a separated configuration, while in FIG. 5, the vaporizer body 202 and the vaporizer cartridge 204 are shown in a combined configuration. The vaporizer cartridge 204 is similar to the vaporizer cartridge 100 of FIGS. 1-3 and therefore will not be described in detail here. For simplicity, certain components of the vaporizer device 200 are not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0072] The vaporizer body 202 and the vaporizer cartridge 204 can be coupled to one another by corresponding coupling elements. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the vaporizer body 202 includes a first set of coupling elements 206a, 206b, and the vaporizer cartridge 204 includes a second set of corresponding coupling elements 208a, 208b. While the first and second sets of coupling elements can have various configurations, in the illustrated embodiment, the first set of coupling elements 206a, 206b include two protrusions extending outward into the vaporizer body 202, and the second set of coupling elements 208a, 208b include two recesses extending inward from two opposing sidewalls 209a, 209b of the vaporizer cartridge 204.

[0073] The vaporizer body 202 can have a variety of configurations. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vaporizer body 202 includes a sleeve 210 extending from a proximal end 210a to a distal end 210b. The sleeve 210 defines a cartridge receptacle 212 within the vaporizer body 202 configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 204. The distal end 210b of the sleeve 210 is coupled to a chassis 213 configured to house at least a portion of any additional components of the vaporizer device 200 (e.g., power source, input devices, sensors, outputs, controller, communication hardware, memory, etc.). When the vaporizer cartridge 204 is coupled to the vaporizer body 202, a fluid pathway 220 is formed within the cartridge receptacle 212 between the chassis 213 and a distal surface 204a of the vaporizer cartridge 204 through a vaporization channel 216 of the cartridge 204, as shown in FIG.

[0074] 4 and 5, the vaporizer device 200 may include a power source 302 (e.g., a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, etc.) and a controller 304 (e.g., a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic). The controller 304 may be configured to control the delivery of heat to the vaporizer 214 of the cartridge 204 to convert the vaporizable material from a condensed form (e.g., a liquid) to a gas phase. For example, the controller 304 may control the delivery of heat to the vaporizer 214 by controlling the discharge of current from at least the power source 302 to the vaporizer 214. The controller 304 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with a particular implementation of the present subject matter.

[0075] After converting the vaporizable material to the gas phase, depending on the type of vaporizer device, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, and / or other factors, at least a portion of the vaporizable material in the gas phase may condense to form particulate matter that is at least partially in local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of the aerosol. The condensed phase vaporizable material (e.g., particulate matter) that is at least partially in local equilibrium with the vaporizable material in the gas phase can form part or all of the inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 200 for a given puff or inhalation on the vaporizer device 200. It will be appreciated that the interaction between the vaporizable material in the gas phase and the condensed phase in the aerosol generated by the vaporizer device 200 can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in fluid paths such as the airflow path (both inside the vaporizer and in the respiratory tract of a human or other animal), and mixing of the vaporizable material in the gas or aerosol phase with other airflows can affect one or more physical parameters of the aerosol. In some vaporizer devices, particularly for vaporizers intended to deliver more volatile vaporizable materials, the inhalable dose may exist primarily in the gas phase (i.e., condensed phase particle formation may be very limited).

[0076] To enable vaporizer device 200 to be used with liquid vaporizable material (e.g., concentrate, suspension, solution, mixture, etc.), sprayer 214 may include a wicking element (also referred to herein as a wick) formed from one or more materials capable of inducing fluid movement via capillary pressure. The wicking element can transport a quantity of liquid vaporizable material to a portion of sprayer 214 that includes a heating element (also not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ).

[0077] The wicking element is generally configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir 215 of the cartridge 204 configured to contain (and be able to contain during use) the liquid vaporizable material so that it can be vaporized by heat generated by the heating element. The wicking element can also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir 215 to replace the volume of liquid that was removed. In other words, capillary action can draw the liquid vaporizable material into the wicking element for vaporization by the heating element (described below), and the air can, in some implementations of the present subject matter, return to the reservoir 215 via the wick to at least partially equalize the pressure within the reservoir. Other approaches to allowing air to return to the reservoir to equalize pressure are also within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0078] 4 as being an integral part of the cartridge 204, in other implementations, at least a portion of the atomizer (e.g., one or both of the wicking element and the heating element) may be located within, and thus part of, the vaporizer body of the vaporizer device. In implementations in which a portion of the atomizer (e.g., the heating element and / or the wicking element) is part of the vaporizer body, the vaporizer device can be configured to deliver liquid vaporizer material from a reservoir within the cartridge to the atomizer portion contained within the vaporizer body.

[0079] The heating element can be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater, and a convective heater. One type of heating element is a resistive heating element, which is composed of or at least includes a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate power in the form of heat when an electric current passes through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the nebulizer 214 can include a heating element including a resistive coil or other heating element wrapped around, disposed within, integrated into the bulk shape of, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise configured to deliver heat to the wicking element to vaporize a liquid vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir by the wicking element for subsequent inhalation by the user in a gaseous and / or condensed phase (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets). As further described below, other wicking element, heating element, and / or nebulizer configurations are also possible.

[0080] For example, the heating element may be stamped or bent from a sheet of material to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. The configuration of the heating element may allow for more consistent and improved quality manufacturing of the heating element and help reduce tolerance issues that may arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element having multiple components. The heating element may also improve the accuracy of measurements obtained from the heating element (e.g., resistance, current, temperature, etc.) due at least in part to the improved consistency of manufacturability of the heating element with reduced tolerance issues. A stamped and formed heating element desirably helps minimize heat loss and helps ensure that the heating element can behave predictably so as to heat to the appropriate temperature.

[0081] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the heating element may be made (e.g., punched) from a sheet of material and crimped or bent around at least a portion of the wicking element to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wicking element. For example, the wicking element may be pressed onto the heating element. Alternatively and / or additionally, the heating element may be held in tension and pulled over the wicking element.

[0082] The heating element may be activated in conjunction with a user puffing (e.g., inhaling, sucking, etc.) on the cartridge 204 itself or a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge 204 (e.g., the controller 304, which may be preselected and part of the vaporizer body 202, may cause current to flow from the power source 302 through a circuit including the heating element, which may be preselected and part of the cartridge 204), causing air to flow from an air inlet, such as air inlet 218, along a fluid path, such as fluid path 220, through the atomizer 214 (e.g., the wicking element and heating element), optionally through one or more condensation regions or chambers, and to an air outlet of the cartridge 204 or a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge. To that end, electrical contacts may be attached to the heating element and operably coupled to at least the power source 302, e.g., a power source disposed within the vaporizer body. The electrical contacts may have various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the electrical contacts are in the form of wires that may be overmolded. Additionally, incoming air may pass along the fluid path over, through, etc., the atomizer, where gas-phase vaporizable material is entrained in the air. As described above, the entrained gas-phase vaporizable material may condense as it passes through the remainder of the fluid path so that an inhalable dose of the vaporizable material in aerosol form can be delivered from an air outlet (e.g., in the cartridge itself or in a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge for inhalation by the user).

[0083] The heating element may be activated in response to detecting a puff and / or determining that a puff is imminent. For example, detecting a puff may be performed based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 306 included in the vaporizer device 200, such as one or more pressure sensors (e.g., configured to measure pressure along a fluid path relative to ambient pressure, changes in absolute pressure, etc.), motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitance sensors (e.g., configured to detect contact between a user's lips and the vaporizer device 200), etc. Alternatively and / or additionally, a puff (or an imminent puff) may be detected in response to detecting a user interaction with one or more input devices 308 included in the vaporizer device 200 (e.g., buttons or other tactile control devices of the vaporizer device 200), receiving a signal from a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 200, etc. It should be understood that detecting a puff, including determining the imminent occurrence of a puff, may be performed using a variety of techniques.

[0084] In some implementations of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) that is in communication with the vaporizer device 200. To this end, the controller 304 may include communications hardware 312. The controller 304 may also include memory 314. The computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 200 and may include its own communications hardware that can establish a wireless communications channel with the communications hardware 312 of the vaporizer device 200. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, some other portable device such as a smartwatch, etc.) that runs software to generate a user interface to allow a user of the device to interact with the vaporizer. In other implementations of the present subject matter, such a device used as part of a vaporizer system may be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or soft interface controls (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, etc.).

[0085] The vaporizer may also include one or more output 310 mechanisms or devices for providing information to a user. For example, the output may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on the state and / or operational mode of the vaporizer device. In some embodiments, the one or more outputs may include multiple LEDs (i.e., two, three, four, five, or six LEDs). The one or more outputs (i.e., each individual LED) may be configured to display light in one or more colors (e.g., white, red, blue, green, yellow, etc.). The one or more outputs may be configured to display different light patterns (e.g., by illuminating specific LEDs, varying the light intensity of one or more LEDs over time, illuminating one or more LEDs in different colors, etc.) to indicate different states, operational modes, etc. of the vaporizer device. In some implementations, the one or more outputs may be proximate to and / or at least partially located within a lower end region of the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device may additionally or alternatively include an externally accessible charging contact that may be adjacent to and / or at least partially located within a lower end region of the vaporizer device.

[0086] A computing device that is part of the vaporizer system defined above can be used for any one or more functions, such as controlling dose (e.g., dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling sessionization (e.g., session monitoring, session setting, session limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine vaporizable material and non-nicotine vaporizable material, adjusting the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining location information (e.g., location of other users, location of retailer / commercial venue, draw location, relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), personalizing the vaporizer (e.g., naming the vaporizer, locking / password protecting the vaporizer, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the vaporizer with a user group, registering the vaporizer with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities with other users (e.g., interacting with one or more groups, etc.). The terms "sessionization," "session," "vaporizer session," or "vapor session" are generally used to refer to a period of time spent using a vaporizer. The period can include a time period, number of doses, amount of vaporizable material, and the like.

[0087] In examples where a computing device provides signals related to the activation of a heating element, or in other examples of coupling a computing device with vaporizer device 200 to perform various control or other functions, the computing device can execute one or more sets of computer instructions to provide a user interface and underlying data processing. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements can cause the computing device to signal vaporizer device 200 to activate the heating element to a full operating temperature for generating an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of the vaporizer may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device in communication with vaporizer device 200.

[0088] The temperature of a vaporizer heating element may depend on several factors, including the amount of power delivered to the heating element and / or the duty cycle at which the power is delivered, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic vaporizer and / or the environment, latent heat loss due to evaporation of the vaporizable material from the wicking element and / or the entire atomizer, and convective heat loss due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heating element or the entire atomizer as a user inhales with an electronic vaporizer). As mentioned above, to ensure activation of the heating element or to heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the vaporizer device 200, in some implementations of the present subject matter, can utilize a signal from a pressure sensor to determine when the user is inhaling. The pressure sensor can be disposed in a fluid path (e.g., air flow path) and / or can be connected (e.g., by a passageway or other path) to a fluid path (e.g., air flow path) connecting an inlet for air entering the device and an outlet through which a user inhales the resulting vapor and / or aerosol, such that the pressure sensor sees pressure changes as the air passes through the vaporizer device from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the heating element may be activated in conjunction with a user's puff, e.g., by automatic detection of the puff, e.g., by the pressure sensor detecting a pressure change in the fluid path (e.g., air flow path).

[0089] Typically, the pressure sensor (as well as any other sensors 306) may be located on or coupled (e.g., physically or electrically or electronically connected via a wireless connection) to the controller 304 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). To ensure accurate measurements and maintain the durability of the vaporizer device 200, a resilient seal (not shown) may optionally isolate the fluid path (e.g., the air flow path) from other portions of the vaporizer device 200. The seal, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor such that the connection of the pressure sensor to the internal circuitry of the vaporizer device is isolated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the fluid path (e.g., the air flow path). In the example of a cartridge-based vaporizer device such as vaporizer device 200, the seal may also isolate a portion of one or more electrical connections between the vaporizer body and the cartridge from one or more other portions of the vaporizer body. Such placement of seals within a vaporizer device can help mitigate potentially destructive effects on vaporizer components due to interactions with environmental factors, such as gas or liquid water, vaporizable materials, and other fluids, and / or reduce air leakage from designed fluid paths (e.g., air flow paths) within the vaporizer device. The passage and / or contact of unwanted air, liquid, or other fluids through the vaporizer circuitry can cause various undesirable effects, such as altering pressure readings, and / or resulting in the accumulation of undesirable materials, such as moisture, vaporizable materials, in portions of the vaporizer, which can result in reduced pressure signals, degradation of pressure sensors or other components, and / or a shortened lifespan of the vaporizer device. Leaks in seals can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed through portions of the vaporizer device containing or composed of materials that may be undesirable to inhale.

[0090] 6 and 7 depict another exemplary vaporizer cartridge 400 for a vaporizer device. More specifically, the vaporizer cartridge 400 includes a cartridge housing 402 having a vaporization channel 404. Except for differences described below, the cartridge housing 402 and the vaporization channel 404 are structurally similar to the cartridge housing 102 and the vaporization channel 104, respectively, of the cartridge 100 of FIGS. 1-3. As such, the common elements will not be described in detail herein.

[0091] In this illustrated implementation, cartridge housing 402 includes a reservoir 408 and a collector 410. Reservoir 408 is configured to selectively contain vaporizable material. Collector 410 is configured to control the exchange of air and vaporizable material (e.g., liquid vaporizable material) between reservoir 408. The inclusion of collector 410 may improve the volumetric efficiency of cartridge 400, which is defined as the volume of liquid vaporizable material ultimately converted into inhalable aerosol relative to the total volume of liquid vaporizable material contained in cartridge 400 (which may correspond to the volume of cartridge 400 itself). In addition to the disclosure herein, further details regarding collectors and other exemplary collectors can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,253,001, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0128874, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 719,014, filed April 12, 2022, and entitled "Vaporizer Device Microfluidic Systems and Apparatuses," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0092] 7, first segment 406a of vaporization channel 404 is defined within collector 410. As such, multiple first channels 412a, 412b are disposed within collector 410. Multiple first channels 412a, 412b are structurally similar to multiple first channels 124a, 124b of cartridge 100 of FIGS. 1-3, and therefore, during use, multiple first channels 412a, 412b function similarly to multiple first channels 124a, 124b described above. Furthermore, multiple first channels 412a, 412b are separated by baffles 413 similar to baffles 413 of cartridge 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

[0093] 7, at least a portion of the second segment 406b is also defined within the collector 410. As such, a first portion 414a of the at least one second channel 414 is disposed within the collector 410, while a remaining portion 414b of the at least one second channel 414 is defined by the cartridge housing 402. The at least one second channel 414 is in fluid communication with the plurality of first channels 412a, 412b. Thus, during use, vaporized material travels through at least one fluid passage 416a, 416b of the plurality of first channels 412a, 412b to the at least one second channel 414, and then the vaporized material passes through and exits the cartridge 400 for inhalation by the user.

[0094] As described above, in some implementations, the cartridge can include a sprayer in addition to the collector. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6-12 , a cartridge 400 can include a sprayer 418 including a sprayer housing 420, a heating element 422, and a wicking element 424. The heating element 422 can have a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 422 includes one or more tines 426 (e.g., heating segments) located on a heating portion 428, one or more connecting portions or legs 430 (e.g., one, two, or more) extending from the tines 426, and cartridge contacts 432 formed at the end of each of the one or more legs 430.

[0095] In FIGS. 6, 7, and 11, the heating element 422 is assembled with the sprayer housing 420 and the wicking element 424, and FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of the sprayer 418 consistent with an implementation of the present subject matter. The sprayer housing 420 may be made from plastic, polypropylene, or the like. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 11 and 12, the sprayer housing 420 includes four recesses 434 in which at least a portion of each of the legs 430 of the heating element 422 can be positioned and secured. Additionally, the sprayer housing 420 includes an opening 436 that provides access to an interior volume 438, within which at least the heating portion 428 of the heating element 422 and the wicking element 424 are disposed. While the wicking element 424 can have a variety of configurations, in the illustrated embodiment, the wicking element 424 is formed from a rectangular porous substrate.

[0096] Generally speaking, in some implementations, when the collector and atomizer are coupled together, one path for potential leakage of vaporizable material is across the heater legs. As a result, vaporizable material can migrate through the space or gap between the collector and atomizer housing, thereby leaking from the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the device and possibly into other parts of the vaporizer device. As described in more detail below and illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, the collector 410 and atomizer 418 can be designed to help prevent vaporizable material from crossing the heater legs and therefore leaking from the cartridge.

[0097] For example, as shown in FIG. 9 and partially in FIGS. 13-14 , the collector 410 can include at least one recess 440 defined therein, which creates a larger gap 442 between the collector 410 and the atomizer housing 420 that would not otherwise exist. These larger gaps 442 are configured to prevent vaporizable material from being drawn between the bottom outermost surface 410 a of the collector 410 and the top outermost surface 420 a of the atomizer housing 420 and ultimately from the cartridge 400. While the number of recesses can vary, in this illustrated implementation, the collector 410 includes four recesses 440. Furthermore, the recesses 440 can have various configurations. For example, as illustrated, each recess 444 has a substantially rectangular shape. In other implementations, the recesses can have other suitable shapes and sizes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number, size, and shape of the recesses depend at least on the structural configuration of the collector and atomizer. As such, the number, size, and shape of the recesses are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0098] As partially shown in FIGS. 13-14 , each recess 440 is positioned within the collector 410 such that when the collector 410 and the atomizer 418 are coupled together, each recess 440 overlies a respective heater leg 430. The resulting gap 442 formed between the collector 410 and the heater leg 430 serves as a capillary break for the vaporizable material. In other words, the resulting gap 442 prevents capillary drive from forming between the collector 410 and the atomizer housing 420 (e.g., between the collector and the heater leg), which would otherwise occur without the recess 440. As a result, leakage across the heater leg 430 and, therefore, from the cartridge 400 can be prevented.

[0099] Alternatively, or in addition, as shown in FIGS. 8-9 and partially in FIGS. 13-14 , the collector 410 can include at least one tab 444 extending outward from the bottom surface 410 a of the collector 410. While the number of tabs 444 can vary, in this illustrated implementation, the collector 410 includes four tabs 444. Furthermore, the tabs 444 can have a variety of configurations. For example, as illustrated, each tab 444 has a trapezoidal shape. In other implementations, the tabs can have other suitable shapes and sizes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number, size, and shape of the tabs depend at least on the structural configuration of the collector and sprayer. As such, the number, size, and shape of the tabs are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0100] As further shown in FIGS. 13-14 , each tab 444 is configured to be inserted into a respective notch 446 in the sprayer housing 420 such that at least a portion of the respective heater leg 430 is disposed between the respective tab 444 and the sprayer housing 420. In other words, when the collector 410 and the sprayer are coupled together, the tab 444 seats in front of a portion of the heater leg. As a result, this can form a seamless interface (e.g., when the collector and sprayer are coupled (e.g., welded) together), thus preventing vaporizable material from leaking across the heater leg 430 and thus out of the cartridge 400. In this illustrated implementation, each respective notch 446 is partially defined by opposing angled flanges 448 a, 448 b. Furthermore, each respective notch is complementary in shape to the respective tab inserted therein. Thus, in this illustrated implementation, each notch has a shape (e.g., female) that is complementary to the trapezoidal shape (e.g., male) of the tab. One skilled in the art will understand that the number, size, and shape of each notch will depend on at least the structural configuration of the tab, collector, and sprayer housing. As such, the number, size, and shape of each notch are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0101] term When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element, or intervening features and / or elements can also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. When a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it will also be understood that it can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there can be intervening features or elements present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present.

[0102] Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated may be applicable to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a reference to a structure or feature being located "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0103] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0104] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear followed by a concatenated list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear with a list of two or more elements or features. Unless implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context of use, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other listed elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or A and B together," respectively. A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together," respectively. Use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0105] Spatial relationship terms such as "forward," "backward," "below," "below," "lower," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relationship terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, elements described as "below" or "directly below" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be oriented in other directions (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptions used herein would be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, terms such as "upward," "downward," "vertically," "horizontally," and the like are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0106] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, a first feature / element described below could be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element described below could be referred to as a first feature / element, without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0107] As used in this specification and claims, including when used in the examples, unless expressly specified otherwise, all numbers can be read as if preceded by the word "about" or "approximately," even if the term does not explicitly appear. The phrase "about" or "approximately" can be used when describing a magnitude and / or location to indicate that the stated value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of values and / or locations. For example, a numerical value can have a value of + / - 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately that value, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when a value is disclosed, it is understood that "less than or equal to" that value, "greater than or equal to" that value, and possible ranges between the values are also disclosed. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, then "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a number) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, data is provided in several different formats, and that this data represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than, less than, less than, less than, and equal to 10 and 15, as well as between 10 and 15, are considered to be disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two specified units is disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0108] While various exemplary embodiments have been described above, any of several modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of the various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Accordingly, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0109] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0110] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logic programming language, and / or an assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, such as, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, and a programmable logic device (PLD), and includes a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. A machine-readable medium may non-transitory store such machine instructions, such as, for example, a non-transitory solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. Alternatively or additionally, a machine-readable medium may temporarily store such machine instructions, such as, for example, a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0111] The examples and descriptions contained herein illustrate, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As noted above, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention," where more than one is actually disclosed, merely for convenience and without any intention to intentionally limit the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept. Thus, while specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, any configuration calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment illustrated. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or modifications of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. The use of the term "based on" in the specification and claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0112] The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods, and / or articles, depending on the desired configuration. The implementations described in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. While some variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the implementations described herein may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of certain additional features disclosed herein. Additionally, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein does not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequence to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, said cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing including a reservoir configured to selectively contain a vaporizable material; a vaporization channel extending at least partially through the cartridge housing, the vaporization channel configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from a sprayer to an outlet of the cartridge; wherein the vaporization channel comprises: a plurality of first channels, each first channel forming a fluid passageway extending from a first end to a second end of the first channel, the first end being proximate to the atomizer; at least one second channel in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of first channels, the at least one second channel being proximate to the outlet; Equipped with at least one first channel of the plurality of first channels is a grooved channel having a groove extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the grooved channel such that the fluid passage of the grooved channel and at least one other first channel remains open to allow vaporized material to pass therethrough and enter the at least one second channel; cartridge.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first channels of the plurality of first channels has a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

3. 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a first segment and a second segment downstream of the first segment, the first segment including the plurality of first channels, and the first segment having a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

4. The cartridge of claim 3 , wherein the second segment includes the at least one second channel.

5. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least one groove of the plurality of grooves has a triangular shaped configuration.

6. 6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a baffle disposed between the plurality of first channels, the baffle configured to promote mixing of the air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel.

7. 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a storage chamber configured to selectively contain the vaporizable material and a collector in fluid communication with the storage chamber, and the plurality of first channels are disposed within the collector.

8. The cartridge of claim 7 , wherein a portion of the second segment of the vaporization channel is located within the collector.

9. 9. The cartridge of claim 7 or 8, further comprising the sprayer, the sprayer comprising a sprayer housing having a wicking element disposed therein and in fluid communication with the plurality of first channels.

10. 10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the collector includes at least one recess defined therein, the at least one recess forming a gap between the collector and the atomizer housing that prevents vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outermost surface of the collector and a top outermost surface of the atomizer housing.

11. 11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the sprayer comprises a heating element having a heating portion disposed within the sprayer housing and a connecting portion disposed at least partially outside the sprayer housing, and the gap is located between the connecting portion of the heating element and the collector.

12. 12. The cartridge of claim 10 or 11, wherein the collector further comprises at least one tab extending outward from the bottom surface of the collector, the at least one tab configured to be inserted into a respective notch in the sprayer housing such that a portion of the connecting portion is positioned between the at least one tab and the sprayer housing.

13. The cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the at least one recess in the collector is disposed adjacent and proximate to the at least one tab.

14. 15. A cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one tab has a trapezoidal shape.

15. The cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising a wicking element disposed within the cartridge housing, the groove being in fluid communication with the wicking element.

16. 16. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one other first channel among the plurality of first channels is another grooved channel, the groove extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the other grooved channel.

17. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first channels are laterally offset from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge housing.

18. 1. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, said cartridge comprising: a vaporization channel extending from the atomizer toward an outlet of the cartridge, the vaporization channel configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to the outlet. wherein the vaporization channel comprises: a plurality of channels, at least one of the plurality of channels being a grooved channel defining a fluid passageway extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being proximate the atomizer, the grooved channel having a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along the fluid passageway; Equipped with cartridge.

19. 20. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein at least one channel of the plurality of channels has a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

20. 20. The cartridge of claim 18 or 19, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a first segment and a second segment downstream of the first segment, the first segment including the plurality of channels, and the first segment having a cross-section that tapers toward the outlet of the cartridge.

21. 21. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the second segment includes at least one other channel, the at least one other channel in fluid communication with the plurality of channels.

22. 22. The cartridge of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least one groove of the plurality of grooves has a triangular shaped configuration.

23. 23. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the vaporization channels include baffles disposed between the channels, the baffles configured to promote mixing of the air and vaporized material within the vaporization channels.

24. 24. The cartridge of any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising a wicking element disposed within the cartridge, the groove being in fluid communication with the wicking element.

25. 25. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein at least one other channel of the plurality of channels comprises another grooved channel, the groove extending in a direction along the fluid passage of the other grooved channel.

26. 26. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the channels are laterally offset from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

27. 27. A vaporizer body and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the cartridge is configured to be coupled to the vaporizer body. Vaporizer device.

28. 28. The vaporizer device of claim 27, wherein the cartridge is removable from the vaporizer body.

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