Non-combustion heated vaporizer device

Abstract

A vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the vaporizer device (400) includes a cartridge (420) and a device body (410) having a receptacle (418) configured to receive the cartridge. The cartridge includes a vaporizable material (402), heater chamber(s), heating element(s) (442), inlet(s) (429), airflow outlet channel(s) (426), and airflow outlet(s) (428). The heating element(s) are configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate vapor, and the inlet(s) are configured to allow ambient air to enter the heater chamber(s) and entrain the vapor. The airflow outlet channel(s) include at least one condensation chamber in fluid communication with the heater chamber(s) and configured to condense the entrained vapor with ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. The airflow outlet(s) are configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user and are in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the heating element(s) defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the heater chamber(s) that contains the vaporizable material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 422,899, entitled "HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES," filed November 4, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 443,978, entitled "HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES," filed February 7, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 447,890, entitled "HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES," filed February 23, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

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

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which may also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used for the delivery of an aerosol (e.g., a gas-phase 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) comprise a class of vaporizer devices that are battery-powered and can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without the combustion of tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices have become increasingly popular for both prescription medical applications, drug delivery, and the consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can also be portable, integrated, and / or convenient to use.

[0004] When using a vaporizer device, a user inhales an aerosol, colloquially referred to as "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 a particular vaporizer device. The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device may be provided in a cartridge (e.g., a separable portion of the vaporizer device that contains the vaporizable material) that includes an outlet (e.g., a mouthpiece or an outlet in fluid communication with the mouthpiece) for inhalation of the aerosol by the user.

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by the vaporizer device, a user can activate the vaporizer device, in certain examples, by inhaling (puffing), by pressing a button, and / or by some other approach. As used herein, puffing can refer to a user inhaling to draw air into the vaporizer device such that the combination of vaporized material (e.g., gas-phase material) and air generates an inhalable aerosol.

[0006] Approaches by which vaporizer devices generate inhalable aerosols from vaporizable materials include heating the vaporizable material (e.g., in a compartment associated with a cartridge, insert, vaporization chamber, heater chamber, oven, and / or heating element) to convert at least a portion of the vaporizable material into vaporized material (e.g., gas-phase material). A vaporization chamber, heater chamber, oven, etc. can refer to a region or volume within a vaporizer device where a heat source (e.g., a conduction, convection, and / or radiation heat source) causes heating of the vaporizable material to generate the vaporized material, allowing the vaporized material to mix with air to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer device.

[0007] The vaporizer device may be controlled by one or more controllers, electronic circuits (e.g., sensors, heating elements, buttons, switches), etc. on or within the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device may also be in wireless communication with an external controller (e.g., a computing device such as a personal computer or smartphone).

[0008] In certain embodiments, vaporizer cartridges containing solid vaporizable material (e.g., including plant material such as tobacco leaves and / or tobacco leaf portions) must be heated to undesirably high temperatures to heat the interior region of the vaporizable material to the minimum temperature required for vaporization. As a result, some of the solid vaporizable material contained within the vaporizer cartridge may burn or carbonize at these high temperatures, producing combustion or partial combustion byproducts (e.g., chemical elements or chemical compounds) that may have undesirable properties, such as unpleasant odors or tastes, adverse health effects, etc. Furthermore, uniform heating of the vaporizable material in current conduction-based vaporizers can be difficult to achieve due to the low thermal conductivity of certain vaporizable materials (e.g., plant materials such as tobacco). Therefore, controlled, uniform distribution of heat is desirable in such devices.

[0009] Some problems with current vaporizer devices include an inability to efficiently and effectively heat vaporizable material without wasting large amounts of energy. For example, some vaporizer devices include a heater body that surrounds the tobacco consumable, requiring the entire heater body to be heated to create an oven. Such configurations do not provide intimate contact with all heated surfaces and require additional energy to maintain a sufficiently high temperature in areas exposed to the airflow, thereby losing at least a portion of the heat energy generated by the heater that could be used to heat the tobacco material. Therefore, energy can be wasted because the generated heat is not effectively utilized.

[0010] Vaporizer devices configured to embed a portion or portions of a heater element within the tobacco material may include airflow through the tobacco material, thereby preventing tight tobacco compression around the heater and thus reducing heat transfer from the heater to the tobacco material. Additionally, vaporizer devices with heater elements embedded within or at least partially surrounded by tobacco may also experience cleaning and sanitation issues. For example, if the heater penetrates the tobacco, residue may be left on the heater element after use, requiring the user to clean the heater element before continued use.

[0011] Summary of the Invention Aspects of the present subject matter relate to vaporizer devices including various embodiments of a vaporizer body and / or a cartridge of vaporizable material configured to generate an inhalable aerosol. For purposes of summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It should be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented, embodied, or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items described herein may be combined together or separately, except where this would not be feasible based on the present disclosure and what one skilled in the art would understand therefrom.

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

[0013] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the cartridge has a cartridge distal end and a cartridge proximal end opposite the cartridge distal end, at least one airflow outlet proximate the cartridge proximal end, and / or one or more cartridge inlets proximate the cartridge distal end.

[0014] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the cartridge has a cartridge length between the distal and proximal ends of the cartridge, a cartridge depth transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width transverse to both the cartridge length and cartridge depth, wherein the cartridge width is greater than the cartridge depth and the cartridge length is greater than both the cartridge depth and cartridge width.

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

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

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

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

[0019] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, at least some of the plurality of bypass channels are angled downwardly relative to a plane formed by the cartridge width and cartridge depth and toward the at least one vapor inlet within a corresponding one of the one or more airflow outlet channels to create turbulence in the at least one condensation chamber.

[0020] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, at least some of the plurality of bypass channels are angled upwardly relative to a plane formed by the cartridge width and cartridge depth and toward the at least one airflow outlet within a corresponding one of the one or more airflow outlet channels to create turbulent airflow in the at least one condensation chamber.

[0021] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, at least some of the multiple bypass channels are offset from one another along the cartridge width and along the cartridge length to generate turbulence in the at least one condensation chamber.

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

[0023] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, each of the at least one steam inlet, at least one bypass air inlet, and one or more airflow outlet channels is laser cut through the mouthpiece insert.

[0024] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the one or more airflow outlet channels begin with at least one steam inlet and end with at least one airflow outlet.

[0025] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, a mouthpiece insert is adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge, the mouthpiece insert being in fluid communication with the at least one airflow outlet. Optionally, the mouthpiece insert is an end cap.

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

[0027] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece insert includes a pass-through filter that includes a hollow volume configured to allow inhalable aerosol to pass through the hollow volume.

[0028] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece insert comprises one or more of a paper material, card stock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, heat resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

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

[0030] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heater insert includes an air permeable material configured to allow outside air to pass through the material.

[0031] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heater insert includes a pass-through filter that includes a hollow volume configured to allow outside air to pass through the hollow volume.

[0032] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the heater insert comprises one or more of paper material, card stock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, heat resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

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

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

[0035] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel are formed in the first insert, and the third airflow outlet channel is formed in the second insert.

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

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

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

[0039] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the first airflow outlet channel is formed in the first insert, and the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel are formed in the second insert.

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

[0041] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece portion further includes a divider, and the mouthpiece portion further includes a wall that defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0042] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the at least one steam inlet includes a first plurality of steam inlets formed through the partition and a second plurality of steam inlets formed through one or more walls.

[0043] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the divider abuts the wall such that the first plurality of steam inlets are adjacent to the second plurality of steam inlets.

[0044] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, at least one bypass air inlet is formed through the wall adjacent to the second plurality of steam inlets to create turbulent air flow within the at least one condensing chamber.

[0045] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, each of the at least one bypass air inlet and each of the at least one steam inlet includes an opening less than 1 mm in diameter that is in fluid communication with one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0046] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the cartridge further includes a partition defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, and the mouthpiece portion further includes a wall further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0047] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the at least one steam inlet includes a plurality of steam inlets formed through a partition, the partition abutting the wall such that the plurality of steam inlets are adjacent to the at least one bypass air inlet.

[0048] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, at least one bypass air inlet is formed through the wall adjacent to the plurality of steam inlets to create turbulent air flow within the at least one condensing chamber.

[0049] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece portion further includes a partition, the partition including at least one vapor inlet and at least one bypass air inlet, the partition being in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0050] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece portion further includes a plurality of baffles within the one or more airflow outlet channels, each of the plurality of baffles extending from one of the short sides of the cartridge along at least a portion of the cartridge width toward the other of the short sides of the cartridge.

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

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

[0053] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the first end and second end of the metal sheet are glued together at the joint location, welded together at the joint location, and / or mechanically coupled to each other at the joint location.

[0054] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from one another along the cartridge width, and the perimeter of the heating element includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0055] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the joining location is located on one of the opposing short sides.

[0056] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from one another along the cartridge width, and the perimeter of the heating element includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0057] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the heating element is in physical contact with the vaporizable material.

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

[0059] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the cartridge further includes a layer of material or covering surrounding at least a portion of the heater portion and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion, the layer of material or covering connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

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

[0061] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the tobacco is separate from the humectant. The tobacco can occupy a first volume and the humectant can occupy a second volume, the first volume being larger than the second volume. The first and second volumes can be approximately the same size, the first volume can be smaller than the second volume, and / or the second volume can surround the first volume.

[0062] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the interior of the cartridge is sprayed with a wetting agent.

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

[0064] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the susceptor comprises aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or Invar. In optional variations of the described embodiments, the susceptor comprises stainless steel.

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

[0066] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the heating element comprises a paper-backed metal material. In optional variations of the described embodiments, the paper-backed metal material comprises a metal layer disposed within one paper layer or between two paper layers.

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

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

[0069] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the mouthpiece portion includes an insert, and each of the at least one steam inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels is laser cut through the insert. The one or more airflow outlet channels can begin at the at least one steam inlet and end at the at least one airflow outlet.

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

[0071] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the method further includes wrapping a layer or covering of material around at least a portion of the heater portion and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion, the layer or covering of material connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

[0072] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the method further includes forming a divider portion. The divider portion may include a divider that defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels. The mouthpiece portion may further include a wall that further defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

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

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

[0075] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heating element has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element including the long side and the short side, the perimeter of the heating element defining a non-cylindrical cross section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length, and optionally the bond location is located on one of the opposing short sides.

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

[0077] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device further includes one or more device inlets configured to allow outside air to enter the receptacle.

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

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

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

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

[0082] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the receptacle is configured to insertably receive the heater portion of the cartridge, and the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge remains outside the receptacle when the heater portion of the cartridge is received within the receptacle.

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

[0084] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the device body includes a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate vapor, and the cartridge includes, instead of the heating element, a metal configured to provide heat to the vaporizable material, the metal instead defining at least a portion of the periphery of a heater chamber that contains the vaporizable material.

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

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

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

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

[0089] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, comparing the inductance difference to the resistance difference includes dividing the resistance difference by the inductance difference.

[0090] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, estimating the temperature of the heating element is based on the temperature coefficient of resistivity of the heating element.

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

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

[0093] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the second period is a period during which at least one induction coil generates a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

[0094] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes at least one sensing coil configured to sense the inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil and / or the inductance and resistance of the heating element, the sensing coil being positioned in proximity to the at least one induction coil and / or the heating element.

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

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

[0097] In optional variations of the described embodiments, adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil includes adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at least one induction coil, adjusting a voltage of the power applied to the at least one induction coil, and / or adjusting a frequency of the power applied to the at least one induction coil.

[0098] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil includes adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at least one induction coil, the duty cycle including, for each cycle of the duty cycle, a period during which no power is applied to the at least one induction coil to heat the heating element and an inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil are derived.

[0099] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the power applied to the at least one induction coil comprises an alternating current (AC) voltage applied to heat the heating element via a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field.

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

[0101] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the plurality of induction coils includes two, three, four, or more induction coils. Optionally, each of the plurality of induction coils is configured to heat a different region of the heating element.

[0102] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes one or more magnetic flux concentrators configured to direct energy generated by the at least one induction coil toward the heating element, wherein the one or more magnetic flux concentrators at least partially surround the at least one induction coil.

[0103] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the at least one induction coil, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil is based on the measured temperature of the heating element. Optionally, the at least one temperature sensor is proximate to the at least one induction coil.

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

[0105] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one induction coil at an operating frequency, the operating frequency being the same or different for each of the at least one induction coil.

[0106] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one induction coil at a first operating frequency when applying power to heat the heating element, and to operate each of the at least one induction coil at a second operating frequency when applying power to derive the inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil, wherein the first operating frequency is the same as or different from the second operating frequency.

[0107] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to a calibration mode to heat the at least one induction coil, measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one induction coil as it cools, and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a lookup table. Optionally, the controller is further configured to adjust power applied to the at least one induction coil based on a comparison with the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the lookup table.

[0108] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the heating element comprises aluminum, and optionally the heating element is at least partially wrapped around the periphery of the vaporizable material and configured to heat the periphery of the vaporizable material.

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

[0110] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes a sensing circuit coupled to the electrical leads of the at least one induction coil, the sensing circuit configured to measure an inductance and a resistance of the at least one induction coil, and the controller is configured to measure the inductance and the resistance of the at least one induction coil.

[0111] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to detect the presence of a heating element via at least one induction coil.

[0112] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine whether the heating element is enabled, and to enable heating of the heating element after determining that the heating element is enabled.

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

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

[0115] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes a cartridge including a heating element, a device body including a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge, and at least one induction coil. In optional variations of the described embodiments, the cartridge can be any one of the cartridges described herein (e.g., described above or below in this Summary section).

[0116] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a cartridge length between the distal and proximal ends of the cartridge, a cartridge depth transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width transverse to both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, wherein the cartridge width is greater than the cartridge depth, the cartridge has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, and a perimeter of the cartridge includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the cartridge defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0117] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the at least one induction coil includes a first induction coil proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second induction coil proximate a second side of the receptacle opposite the first side, the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0118] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes a first magnetic flux concentrator proximate to the first induction coil, the first magnetic flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first induction coil toward the receptacle, and a second magnetic flux concentrator proximate to the second induction coil, the second magnetic flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second induction coil toward the receptacle.

[0119] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the at least one induction coil includes a first plurality of induction coils proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second plurality of induction coils proximate a second side of the receptacle opposite the first side, the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0120] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the vaporizer device includes a first magnetic flux concentrator proximate to the first plurality of induction coils, the first magnetic flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first plurality of induction coils toward a receptacle, and a second magnetic flux concentrator proximate to the second plurality of induction coils, the second magnetic flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second plurality of induction coils toward the receptacle.

[0121] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, each of the first plurality of induction coils is arranged to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle, and the second plurality of induction coils is arranged to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the other of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0122] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one induction coil at one or more operating frequencies.

[0123] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one induction coil according to a normal power mode, a boost power mode, a measurement mode, a cartridge detection mode, a preheat mode, a standby mode, and / or a calibration mode.

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

[0125] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to a boost power mode in a frequency range above 200 kHz and below 500 kHz, or above 350 kHz and below 500 kHz.

[0126] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to a measurement mode to obtain inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one induction coil.

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

[0128] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to a preheating mode to expel water vapor within the cartridge.

[0129] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to a calibration mode to heat the at least one induction coil, measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one induction coil as the at least one induction coil cools, and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a lookup table.

[0130] In an optional variation of the described embodiment, the controller is further configured to estimate the temperature of the at least one induction coil through comparison with inductance and resistance measurements stored in a look-up table.

[0131] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, at least one induction coil comprises Litz wire.

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

[0133] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the heating element defines at least a portion of the periphery of a heater chamber, the heater chamber containing the vaporizable material.

[0134] In an optional variation of the described embodiments, the device further includes at least one bypass air inlet and one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber via the at least one steam inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with ambient air through the at least one bypass air inlet.

[0135] In optional variations of the described embodiments, the cartridge can be any one of the cartridges described herein (e.g., described above in this Overview section). In optional variations of the described embodiments, the receptacle can be any one of the receptacles described herein (e.g., described above in this Overview section). In optional variations of the described embodiments, the at least one induction coil can be any one of the induction coils described herein (e.g., described above in this Overview section). In optional variations of the described embodiments, the circuitry can include any of the circuitry described herein, such as the various controllers described herein (e.g., described above in this Overview section).

[0136] In various embodiments, a method for generating an inhalable aerosol includes operating a vaporizer device according to any of the methods of operation described herein. Other vaporizer devices configured to generate an inhalable aerosol, device body cartridges, methods for assembling a device body, methods for assembling a cartridge body, methods for generating an inhalable aerosol, etc. are described herein.

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

[0138] 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 embodiments. The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Patent Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. The drawings are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0139] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 2] 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 3] 1 shows a front perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4B] 4B shows a cross-sectional front view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 4A, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4C] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4D] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4E] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4F] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4G] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4H]1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4I] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4J] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4K] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4L] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4M] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4N] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4O] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4P] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4Q] 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5B] 1 shows a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5C] 1 shows a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5D] 1 shows a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5E] 1 shows a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5F] 1 illustrates a front view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5C is a side cross-sectional view of the holder assembly of FIG. 5F taken along line BB. [Figure 5H] 1 illustrates a top view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5I] FIG. 5C is a side cross-sectional view of the holder assembly of FIG. 5H taken along line CC. [Figure 5J] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the holder assembly of FIG. 5H taken along line CC. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6B] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6D] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6E] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6F] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6G] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6H] 1 shows a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6I] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6J] 1A-1D show side perspective and cross-sectional views of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a perspective view of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7B] 1 shows a perspective view of a heater for use in a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7C]1 shows a perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7D] 1 shows a perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7E] 1 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 8E] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 8F] 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates a circuit for a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates a circuit for a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 9C] 1 illustrates a circuit for a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 9D] 1 illustrates a circuit for a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 9E] 1 illustrates a circuit for a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 10B] 1 shows a side perspective view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 10C] 1 shows a side perspective view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 10D] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11A] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11B] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11C] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11D] 1 shows a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11E] 1 shows a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11F] 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11G] 1 shows a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11H] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 11I] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 12A] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 12B] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 12C]1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 12D] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 12E] 1 shows a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductor for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13C] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13D] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13E] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13F] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 13G] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 14A] 1A-1D show perspective and corresponding top views of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 14B] 1A-1D show perspective and corresponding top views of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 14C]1A-1D show perspective and corresponding top views of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 15A] 1 shows a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 15B] 1 shows a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 15C] 1 shows a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 15D] 1 shows a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 15E] 1 shows a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 16A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge and vaporizer body for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 16B] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge and vaporizer body for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17A] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17B] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17C] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17D] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17E] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17F] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 17G]1 illustrates a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and [Figure 17H] 1 shows a block diagram of a vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0140] Wherever practical, like reference numerals refer to like structures, features, or elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0141] Embodiments of the present subject matter include methods, apparatus, products, and systems for vaporizing one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Various embodiments of vaporizer devices are described herein that offer several advantages, including, for example, improved generation of controlled energy transfer to an inductively heated vaporizer cartridge. For example, by providing multiple inductors, a single wound susceptor, and / or a feedback loop with a sensor, localized heat transfer can be controlled over the course of use (e.g., each complete use of a vaporizer cartridge from start to finish, referred to herein as a vaporization session).

[0142] An additional advantage that may be provided by various embodiments of the vaporizer devices described herein is improved contact between the heating element and / or heating surface of the heating system and the cartridge containing the vaporizable material to ensure efficient and effective heat transfer between the heating element and the vaporizable material. For example, by maintaining intimate contact between the cartridge and the heating element and / or heated surface, heat loss (e.g., to the surrounding housing of the vaporizer device) may be reduced and heating efficiency (e.g., per unit of power consumption) may be increased. An additional advantage that may be provided by various embodiments of the vaporizer devices described herein is improved user satisfaction. For example, in certain embodiments, proper mixing of relatively cool air (e.g., air at ambient temperature) with heated air containing the vaporizable material may improve the formation of submicron-sized aerosol particles, thereby reducing condensation on the interior surfaces of the vaporizer device (e.g., the inhalation tube and / or mouthpiece components) of one or more compounds released during heating of the vaporizable material. Such condensation may ultimately be drawn into the user's mouth in liquid form, thereby causing an unpleasant taste as well as making the inhalable product unavailable, thereby reducing the amount of inhalable product available. Thus, by ensuring proper mixing and aerosol generation, embodiments of the present subject matter can increase user satisfaction.

[0143] In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can be disposed in direct contact with and / or in close proximity to a heating element of a heating system to enable efficient and effective heat transfer from the heating element to the vaporizable material. In some embodiments, a cartridge containing the heating element and vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material contained within a suitably configured structure) can be disposed within a vaporizer body configured to transfer energy to the heating element, such as by completing an electrical circuit including one or more inductors and / or the heating element. In other embodiments, a cartridge containing the vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material contained within a suitably configured structure) can be disposed within a vaporization chamber, heater chamber, oven, etc., in which case the area or volume within the vaporizer body where the heating element causes heating of at least a portion of the vaporizable material includes the interior area or volume of the cartridge. Characteristics of a properly configured structure include being at least partially formed from a metal and / or some other material that is durable under heat and has sufficient thermal conductivity; one or more openings through which air can enter the cartridge to help heat the vaporizable material and / or transport the vaporizable material as it is vaporized; one or more openings through which ambient air can mix with the vaporized material to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol; and one or more openings through which the vaporizer device, heating system, cartridge, and vaporizable material described herein can provide more efficient heating of the vaporizable material and formation of the inhalable aerosol compared to some currently available vaporizer devices. Other advantages are described herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that aerosol formation can be generated simultaneously (e.g., immediately after) the vaporization of the vaporizable material, such as based on air present within or near the vaporizable material, and the provision of ambient air can accelerate the formation of the inhalable aerosol.

[0144] As used in the following description and claims, the term "vaporizer device" refers to either an integrated device, a device including two or more separable parts (e.g., a vaporizer body including a battery and other hardware, a cartridge and / or insert including a vaporizable material, and / or a mouthpiece (including the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge) configured to deliver an inhalable aerosol to a user), etc. As used herein, a "vaporizer system" can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device, a charger for charging the vaporizer device, a wired or wireless communication device in communication with the vaporizer device, a remote server in communication with the communication device, etc. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), etc. Such vaporizer devices can be handheld devices that heat vaporizable material (e.g., by convection, conduction, radiation, induction, and / or some combination thereof) to provide an inhalable dose of the material to a user. A vaporizer device can be considered to "produce" an inhalable aerosol because it provides the necessary capabilities and / or functionality (e.g., heat, airflow path(s), condensation chamber, etc.) to convert a vaporizable material into an inhalable aerosol.

[0145] The vaporizable material used in a vaporizer device may be provided in a cartridge containing the material. Such a cartridge may be, for example, a removable and insertable part into the vaporizer device, refillable after use, or disposable. In the latter case, the cartridge may be replaced with a new cartridge containing the same or a different vaporizable material. The vaporizer device may be cartridge-based, cartridge-less, or versatile, usable with or without a cartridge. Some cartridge embodiments may contain vaporizable material packed at an appropriate density. In some embodiments, the vaporizer device may include a compartment (e.g., a receptacle, heater chamber, etc.) into which the cartridge can be directly inserted, where the vaporizable material is heated and formed into an inhalable aerosol.

[0146] In some embodiments, the vaporizer device may be configured for use with liquid vaporizable materials (e.g., a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive ingredients are suspended or dissolved, or the liquid form of the vaporizable material itself) and / or non-liquid vaporizable materials (e.g., pastes, waxes, gels, solids, plant material, etc.). Non-liquid vaporizable materials may be configured such that a portion of the plant material is released as a vaporizable component, with the remainder remaining as waste after use, or the entire solid may ultimately be vaporized. Similarly, liquid vaporizable materials may be vaporized in their entirety, or a portion may remain unvaporized.

[0147] Embodiments of the vaporizable material include those that include, at least in part, a non-liquid material that is comprised of a solid material, such as tobacco (e.g., leaves, stems, etc.), other plant matter, or cotton. Additionally, the vaporizable material may include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, acids (e.g., organic acids, such as benzoic acid, citric acid, etc.), etc., as humectants or aerosol-forming carriers. Thus, some vaporizer device embodiments may be configured to heat and form an inhalable aerosol using a material that is at least comprised of one or more vaporizable materials that include compounds that can be converted to a gas phase, as described in more detail below.

[0148] 1A-1C illustrate block diagrams of example vaporizer devices 100a, 100b, and 100c (collectively "vaporizer device 100") according to embodiments of the present subject matter. Vaporizer device 100 includes a power source 112 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) and a controller 104 (e.g., a processor or circuitry capable of executing logic) that controls heating by one or more heating elements 142 (collectively, heating elements 142) to convert at least a portion of vaporizable material 102 (e.g., a solid, liquid, solution, suspension, or portions of raw plant material) within cartridge 120 into a gas phase. Controller 104, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, may be comprised of a portion of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0149] When one or more compounds contained in the vaporizable material 102 are converted to the gas phase, some of those gas phase compounds can condense to form particulate matter that is in local equilibrium with the gas phase in an aerosol. Such an aerosol can constitute some or all of the inhalable dose provided when a user inhales on the vaporizer device 100. The interaction of the gas and condensed phases in an aerosol can be complex and dynamic, depending on several factors, such as temperature (e.g., ambient or local temperature within the vaporizer device or cartridge), relative humidity, chemistry, vapor pressure of the vaporizable compound, airflow conditions (inside the device or in the body's airway), and how compounds in the gas or aerosol phase mix with other airflows. In some vaporizer devices, particularly those configured to deliver relatively volatile compounds, the inhalable dose may exist primarily in the gas phase (e.g., there may be only limited generation of condensed phase particles).

[0150] The heating element 142 may include one or more of a conduction heater, a radiant heater, an induction heater, and / or a convection heater. One example of a heating element 142 is a resistive heating element, which may include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to emit power as heat when an electric current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the resistive heating element. Another type of heating element 142 is a susceptor, which may include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, e.g., a ferrite material, such as an aluminum alloy and / or a stainless steel alloy) configured to absorb and convert magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy into heat when radiated onto one or more segments of the susceptor. In various embodiments of the present invention, the heating element 142 (e.g., a resistive heating element, a susceptor, etc.) is configured to generate heat to convert one or more compounds contained in the vaporizable material 102 into a gas phase and produce an inhalable dose of one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102. As described herein, in certain embodiments, vaporizable material 102 includes a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, a solid phase material (gel, wax, etc.) or a plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves and / or tobacco stems).

[0151] In some embodiments, the heating element 142 is included in a portion of the cartridge 120 (e.g., a portion of the disposable portion of the vaporizer 100), as illustrated in the vaporizer device 100a shown in FIG. 1A. As shown, the cartridge 120 can include a mouthpiece portion 130 including one or more inserts 124 (e.g., one or more filters, as illustrated by the exemplary embodiment of the inserts 124 in FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a heater portion 141 including the vaporizable material 102 and one or more heating elements 142. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 130 can be removably connected to a portion of the cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 130 can be integral with the cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion 130 can include one or more components of the cartridge 120 (e.g., airflow path, insert, end cap, vaporizable material, etc.), as described herein.

[0152] In some embodiments, the cartridge 120 can include one or more inserts 124, each of which can include one or more filters and / or filter materials. For example, the one or more inserts 124 can be made from a material that is non-vapor permeable and / or moisture resistant (e.g., resistant to the damaging effects of water, at least to some extent). Such materials can include one or more of metal, metal alloy, paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), non-wood plant fibers such as cellulose acetate, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insert 124 can be disposed within and / or surrounded by one or more elements associated with the cartridge 120 and / or vaporizer body 110. For example, one or more inserts 124 may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with, and / or offset from (e.g., along the length (as used and defined herein) of cartridge 120) one or more of a divider (e.g., divider 454 of FIG. 4G) and an end cap (e.g., end cap 664 of FIG. 6B), as described herein. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of insert 124 may be exposed (e.g., not inserted into or surrounded by one or more elements), including that the entire length (as length is used and defined herein) of insert 124 may be exposed.

[0153] In some embodiments, heater portion 141 may optionally include one or more inserts 124, such as at an end of vaporizable material 102 (e.g., at the distal end of cartridge 120) to retain vaporizable material 102 within cartridge 120. One or more inserts 124 may include multiple openings, such as inlets, channels, and / or outlets. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more inserts 124 may be permeable to allow vapor and / or aerosol to pass through. In some embodiments, heater portion 141 may be detachably connected to a portion of cartridge 120. In some embodiments, heater portion 141 may be integrally formed with cartridge 120. In some embodiments, heater portion 141 may include one or more components of cartridge 120 (e.g., airflow path, insert, vaporizable material, etc.), as described herein. In some embodiments, heater portion 141 may include two or more separable and / or detachable couplings. For example, one portion of the heating portion 141 may be integrated with the cartridge 120, and another portion of the heating portion 141 may be integrated with a component separate and / or external to the cartridge 120, such as a component integrated with the vaporizer body 110.

[0154] The mouthpiece portion 130 and the heater portion 141 may be joined to one another via an outer layer, such as one or more layers of material (e.g., a covering 122 (shown by way of example in FIGS. 1A and 1B), a shell, or other equivalent structural material). In some embodiments, the heater portion 141 may be considered to include the portion of the cartridge 120 that is inserted into the receptacle 118, and the mouthpiece portion 130 may be considered to be the portion that remains outside when the cartridge 120 is inserted into the receptacle 118. In some embodiments, the receptacle 118 may be configured to insertably receive and couple to the cartridge 120 via a snap fit, press fit, friction fit, magnetic attachment, or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 110 may be provided with a ledge 121 that at least partially defines an opening to the receptacle 118. The ledge 121 may have features such as chamfered edges to facilitate placement of the cartridge 120 within the receptacle 118. In this specification, the term "mouthpiece portion 130" does not mean that the entire portion is inserted into the oral cavity, but rather means the end of the cartridge 120 or a portion nearby that is designed to be placed in the user's mouth during use.

[0155] The heating element 142 is wrapped (at least partially) around, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise positioned to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material 102, causing one or more compounds to be released into the vapor phase. A drive circuit 143 (shown in FIG. 1C ) is provided within the vaporizer body for driving the heating element 142. For example, the drive circuit 143 may include two or more electrical contacts (e.g., positioned at least partially within the receptacle 118) for providing a conductive path between the power source 112 of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 142 of the cartridge 120 when the cartridge 120 is insertably received within the receptacle 118. In other embodiments, the drive circuit 143 may include one or more inductors, such as two or more induction coils, configured to generate an electromagnetic field oriented and positioned to influence the heating element 142, which may take the form of a susceptor, to generate heat in the susceptor.

[0156] In other embodiments, the heating element 142 may be part of the vaporizer body 110 (e.g., part of a durable or reusable portion of the vaporizer 100), as shown in vaporizer device 100b of FIG. 1B. As shown, the cartridge 120 may include a mouthpiece portion 130 including one or more inserts 124 and a container portion 123 including the vaporizable material 102. The mouthpiece portion 130 and the container portion 123 may be joined together via an outer layer, such as one or more coatings 122. The heating element 142 may be wrapped (at least partially) around, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise positioned to deliver heat to, the cartridge 120 containing the vaporizable material 102 to convert one or more compounds from the vaporizable material 102 into a gas phase and / or a condensed (e.g., aerosol particle or droplet) phase for subsequent inhalation by a user. For example, heating element 142 can be positioned within receptacle 118 and arranged to directly or indirectly heat container portion 123 (e.g., by conduction or radiation, or convection heating), which can in turn heat vaporizable material 102 contained therein. In a related embodiment, heating element 142 can be positioned outside receptacle 118 and arranged to heat receptacle 118 itself to create an oven that provides convection and / or conduction heat. In either case, heating element 142 can be at least partially or substantially wrapped around the periphery of receptacle 118. Such heating elements may be heated by one or more of a variety of mechanisms, such as, for example, electrical resistance, induction heating, chemical or combustion-related heating (e.g., by causing combustion or oxidation or other exothermic chemical transformation of a fuel material), heat conduction from another heated element, radiative heating, convection, etc.

[0157] In other embodiments, the heating element 142 may be part of a cartridge 120 that houses the liquid vaporizable material 102 in a liquid reservoir 182, as shown in the vaporizer device 100c of FIG. 1C. As shown, the cartridge 120 may include a mouthpiece portion 130 and a shell portion 192 that houses the heater portion 141 and the reservoir 182 configured to hold the liquid vaporizable material 102. The mouthpiece portion 130 and the shell portion 192 may be integrally formed (e.g., manufactured as a single piece) or may be joined to one another via mechanical coupling means such as a snap fit, press fit, friction fit, adhesive, or the like. The heater portion 141 may include the heating element 142 and a wicking material (not shown) configured to transport the liquid vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 182 into contact with the heating element 142 via capillary action. In certain embodiments, the heating element 142 can be in direct contact with the wicking material by being pressed against one or more sides of the wicking material, being at least partially wrapped around the wicking material, etc. The heating element 142 can be configured to generate heat to convert one or more compounds from the vaporizable material 102 to a gas phase for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gaseous and / or condensed (e.g., aerosol particle or droplet) phase. For example, the heater portion 141 can include circuitry configured to receive an applied electromagnetic field and / or convert it into an electrical current used to power the heating element 142 and thereby heat it. In certain embodiments, the heating element 142 itself can be configured to generate heat based on having a structure (e.g., material and shape) configured to receive an applied electromagnetic field and convert it into an electrical current used to power the heating element 142 and thereby heat it. Thus, the heater portion 141 and / or the heating element 142 can be powered via a drive circuit 143, as described herein.

[0158] When the vaporizable material 102 comprises a non-liquid vaporizable material, the heating element 142 can be part of, or otherwise incorporated into, or in thermal contact with, the wall of the cartridge 120 and / or the heating chamber or compartment (e.g., receptacle 118) in which the vaporizable material 102 is disposed. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element 142 can be used to heat air entering, passing through, or passing through the cartridge 120, causing convective heating of the vaporizable material 102 (e.g., within the cartridge 120). In yet another example, the heating element 142 can be positioned in intimate contact with the vaporizable material 102 such that direct conductive heating of the vaporizable material 102 in the cartridge 120 occurs from within the mass of the vaporizable material 102, as opposed to solely by conduction inward from the walls of the heating chamber (e.g., oven, etc.). Convective heating of the air passing through the cartridge 120 can also be generated in such a configuration. Additionally, conductive heating can be achieved by inductively heating the heating element 142. That is, heating element 142 can generate heat based on the conversion of electromagnetic energy to heat, which can be conducted to other portions of cartridge 120, such as other portions of heating element 142 that are not directly affected by the electromagnetic energy, vaporizable material 102, other thermally conductive portions of cartridge 120 or vaporizer body 110, etc. Vaporizable material 102 can be vaporized by this heat based in part on being in contact with one or more surfaces of heating element 142 and / or other materials that are conductively heated by heating element 142.

[0159] The heating element 142, in conjunction with a user's drawing (e.g., inhaling, snorting, etc.) on the mouthpiece portion 130 and / or the end of the vaporizer device 100, can provide heat to convert one or more compounds in the vaporizable material 102 into a gas phase, causing air to flow from the air inlet along an airflow path to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user through the air outlet of the mouthpiece portion 130. As the incoming air passes along the airflow path through (e.g., around, over, etc.) the cartridge 120 and / or the vaporizable material 102, compounds released from the vaporizable material 102 into the gas phase become entrained in the air. The heating element 142 can be activated by the controller 104, optionally as part of the vaporizer body 110 as described herein, or separately as part of an electromagnetically coupled circuit including an inductor-susceptor configuration, and current can be supplied therethrough from the power source 112. As described herein, at least a portion of the entrained one or more gas phase compounds may condense while passing through the remainder of the airflow path and be delivered as an inhalable dose in aerosol form that is inhaled by the user through the air outlet (e.g., via mouthpiece portion 130).

[0160] In certain embodiments, the heating element 142 can be activated in conjunction with a user interacting with the vaporizer device 100. For example, activation of the heating element 142 can be triggered by automatic detection of an inhalation or other user interaction based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113. The one or more sensors 113 and / or the signals generated by the one or more sensors 113 can include one or more sensors and / or circuits such as: one or more pressure sensors positioned to detect pressure along the airflow path of the vaporizer device 100 relative to ambient pressure, or optionally to measure changes in absolute pressure; one or more temperature sensors, such as a thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) circuit such as a PTC thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) circuit such as an NTC thermistor, a thermocouple, etc., positioned to measure the temperature of the receptacle 118, the heating element 142, and / or some other component of the vaporizer body 110 or cartridge 120; one or more circuits configured to determine the temperature of the heating element 142 based on measuring or determining the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element 142, for example, via comparison with one or more resistors having known resistances and / or one or more inductors having known inductances; one or more motion sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc., configured to detect movement, vibration, orientation, position, acceleration, etc. of the vaporizer device 100; one or more flow sensors configured to detect the flow rate of air, gas, or liquid within the vaporizer device 100; a capacitive sensor configured to detect the touch of a user's finger(s), palm(s), lip(s), etc., on a portion of the vaporizer device 100; Circuitry configured to detect interactions with the vaporizer device 100 via one or more input devices 116, such as buttons, other tactile control devices, etc., of the vaporizer device 100. - circuitry configured to receive and process signals from a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 100; - a circuit configured to determine whether a puff is being produced or is imminent;

[0161] In certain embodiments, the vaporizer device 100 can be configured to initiate a heating cycle that can include a period of heating the heating element 142, the receptacle 118, the cartridge 120, and / or the vaporizable material 102 to an operating (e.g., predetermined) temperature or temperature range (e.g., a temperature or range sufficient to convert one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102 to a gas phase). Once the heating element 142, the receptacle 118, the cartridge 120, and / or the vaporizable material 102 reach the operating temperature or temperature range, the vaporizer device 100 can be configured to maintain or otherwise adjust the application of heat such that the vaporizable material 102 can be vaporized without burning. In certain embodiments, additional heat can be provided via the heating element 142 in response to the detection of an event, such as a user placing their lips on the vaporizer device 100, a user taking a puff on the vaporizer device 100, and / or any of the signals described herein (e.g., generated by one or more sensors 113). Heating cycle termination conditions may include the following, consistent with embodiments described herein: - if an additional interaction with the vaporizer device 100 is detected via one or more input devices 116 -When a specific time has elapsed since the start of the heating cycle -When it is determined that a certain amount of time has passed since the last detection of a user puff - if it is determined that the cartridge 120 is not present in the receptacle 118; -When caused by other events, actions, or their detected duration, etc.

[0162] As discussed herein, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter, vaporizer device 100 can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) that communicates with vaporizer device 100. To this end, controller 104 can include communications hardware 105. Controller 104 can also include memory 108. Communications hardware 105 can include firmware and / or can be controlled by software to implement one or more protocols for communication.

[0163] The computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 100 and may include its own hardware for communication that can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of the vaporizer device 100. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general-purpose computing device (such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or some other portable device such as a smartwatch) that executes software to generate a user interface to allow a user to interact with the vaporizer device 100. In other embodiments of the present subject matter, such a computing 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 (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device 116 such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, etc.) interface controls. The vaporizer device 100 may also include one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to a user. For example, the output 117 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on the status and / or operating mode of the vaporizer device 100. The one or more LEDs may be monochromatic and / or multichromatic LEDs (eg, both may be used separately).

[0164] In examples where a computing device provides signals related to activation of heating element 142, or in other examples where a computing device is coupled with vaporizer device 100 for various control or other functional embodiments, the computing device executes 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 100 to activate heating element 142 to reach an operating temperature for generation of an inhalable dose of aerosol. Other functions of vaporizer device 100 can be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device that communicates with vaporizer device 100.

[0165] The temperature of the heating element 142 of the vaporizer device 100 may depend on several factors, including the amount of power or energy delivered to the heating element 142, the duty cycle at which the power or current is delivered, the time at which the power or current is delivered, the efficiency of the heating element 142 in converting the current into heat, conductive and / or radiative heat transfer to other parts of the vaporizer device 100 and / or the environment, latent heat losses due to vaporization of the vaporizable material 102, convective heat losses due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heating element 142 and / or the area heated by the heating element 142 as a user puffs on the vaporizer device 100), etc.

[0166] To reliably activate the heating element 142 and / or heat the heating element 142 to a desired temperature as described herein, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device 100 may utilize signals from one or more sensors 113. For example, the one or more sensors 113 may include a pressure sensor to determine when a user is inhaling. The one or more sensors 113 may optionally be positioned within the airflow path and / or connected (e.g., by a passageway or other path) to an airflow path that includes an airflow inlet through which air enters the vaporizer device 100 and an airflow outlet through which a user inhales the resulting aerosol, such that the one or more sensors 113 experience a change (e.g., a pressure change) as air passes through the vaporizer device 100 from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet. In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the heating element 142 may be activated in conjunction with a user's inhalation, for example, by automatic detection of inhalation or by the one or more sensors 113 detecting a change (e.g., a pressure change) in the airflow path.

[0167] Additionally or alternatively, to maintain the heating element 142 at a desired temperature, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device 100 may utilize other signals from one or more sensors 113. For example, the one or more sensors 113 may include capacitive, conductive, and / or electromagnetic sensors for measuring the inductance, resistance, and impedance of the heating element 142. The one or more sensors 113 may optionally be positioned in physical contact with the heating element 142 (e.g., within the receptacle 118) or sufficiently close to the heating element 142 (e.g., within, contacting, or adjacent to at least some portion of the receptacle 118) to measure variations in the electromagnetic field affecting the heating element. In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors 113 are in communication with an inductor configured to inductively heat the heating element 142 and / or configured to determine the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the inductor. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors 113 may include a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the inductor and / or heating element 142. Based on information derived from the one or more sensors 113, the controller 104 may be configured to estimate the temperature of the heating element 142, as described herein. In an embodiment, the heating element 142 may be activated in relation to the estimated temperature of the heating element 142, for example, by comparing the inductance and / or resistance of the heating element 142 detected via the one or more sensors 113 with appropriate sensing circuitry.

[0168] The one or more sensors 113 can be positioned on or coupled to (e.g., electrically or electronically, physically, or via a wireless connection with) the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). To accurately perform measurements and maintain the durability of the vaporizer device 100, it may be beneficial to provide a seal with sufficient resilience to isolate the airflow path from other portions of the vaporizer device 100. The seal, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the one or more sensors 113 such that the connection of the one or more sensors 113 to the internal circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 is isolated from the portion of the one or more sensors 113 exposed to the airflow path. Such placement of a seal within the vaporizer device 100 may be useful in mitigating potentially destructive effects on vaporizer components resulting from interaction with environmental factors, such as water in the vapor or liquid phase, and / or reducing air leakage from the designated airflow path within the vaporizer device 100. The passage of air, liquid, or other fluids through and / or in contact with the circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 can cause various undesirable effects, such as altered pressure readings, and / or can result in the accumulation of materials, such as moisture or residue, incorrect portions of vaporizable material 102, in portions of the vaporizer device 100, which can result in an insufficient pressure signal, degradation of one or more sensors 113 or other components, and / or a shorter lifespan of the vaporizer device 100. Leaking seals can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed through portions of the vaporizer device 100 containing or constructed from materials that may not be desirable to be inhaled.

[0169] If the one or more sensors 113 include a conductive surface for measuring the resistance of the heating element 142, the one or more sensors 113 may additionally or alternatively be positioned on a surface that is biased against a portion of the heating element 142. For example, the one or more sensors 113 may be disposed on the surface of, or biased by, a spring or other elastically deformable structure such that the one or more sensors 113 remain in physical contact with the surface of the heating element 142. Such an arrangement of springs or other elastically deformable structures within the vaporizer device 100 may help to mitigate potentially destructive effects to vaporizer components resulting from interaction with environmental factors such as those described herein.

[0170] In vaporizer devices in which the power supply 112 is part of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 142 is disposed within a cartridge 120 configured to mate with the vaporizer body 110, the cartridge 120 and vaporizer device 100 may include electrical connections (e.g., electrical contacts, conductors, etc.) to complete a physical circuit including the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, etc.), the power supply 112, and the heating element 142. The circuit completed by these electrical connections may enable delivery of electrical current to the heating element 142 (e.g., a resistive heating element) and may also be used for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the heating element 142 for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the resistive heating element based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the resistive heating element. In certain embodiments, a different circuit may be provided for measuring the resistance of the heating element 142 compared to the circuit that enables delivery of electrical current to the heating element 142, such as a circuit that includes one or more sensors 113 and the heating element 142, as described herein.

[0171] Alternatively, the power source 112 may be part of the vaporizer body 110, and the heating element 142 may be configured as a susceptor disposed within the cartridge 120 and electromagnetically coupled to one or more inductor coils that are part of a drive circuit 143 within the vaporizer body 110. The physical circuitry within the vaporizer body 110 includes the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, etc.), the power source 112, and one or more inductor coils that may be part of or form the drive circuit 143. The physical circuitry may further be used for additional functions, such as delivering current to the one or more inductor coils and measuring the impedance of the heating element 142 for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the heating element 142 based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element 142. In certain embodiments, a different circuit may be provided for measuring the impedance of the heating element 142 compared to the circuitry that enables the delivery of current to the one or more inductor coils, such as a circuit that includes one or more sensors 113 as described herein.

[0172] In certain embodiments, the receptacle 118 can include all or part of a heating element 142 (e.g., a heating coil, a resistive heating element, etc.) configured to conductively, radiatively, convectively, etc. heat the cartridge 120 received within the receptacle 118 to form an aerosol that is inhaled by a user of the vaporizer device 100. For example, the receptacle 118 can include various embodiments of the heating element 142 configured to receive and / or be placed in contact with the cartridge 120. Various embodiments of the heating element 142, receptacle 118, and cartridge 120 are described herein for integration into and / or use with various vaporizer bodies 110 to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0173] In certain embodiments, the cartridge 120 can be configured for insertion into the receptacle 118, such as to form contact between an outer surface of the cartridge 120 and one or more interior walls of the receptacle 118. In certain embodiments, the cartridge 120 can have the same or a similar shape as the receptacle 118. In certain embodiments, the cartridge 120 can include a square or rectangular shape. In certain embodiments, the cartridge 120 can include a circular cross-section and / or a cylindrical shape. In certain embodiments, the cartridge 120 can have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 120 is inserted into the receptacle 118. The non-circular cross-section(s) of the cartridge 120 and / or the receptacle 118 can include two sets of parallel or nearly parallel opposing sides (e.g., having a parallelogram-like shape), or other shapes including curved shapes with at least second-order rotational symmetry. For example, Figures 8A-8F illustrate exemplary cross-sections of cartridge 120 and / or receptacle 118, including rectangular shapes (Figure 8A), rectangles with rounded corners (Figure 8B), ovals or oval shapes (Figure 8C), or other shapes with corners, bends, edges, protrusions, recesses, etc. (Figures 8D-8F). Approximate shapes in this context mean having basic characteristics similar to the described shape, but the sides need not be perfectly straight and the apexes need not be perfectly sharp. Any description of a non-circular cross-section referred to herein takes into account rounding of the edges and / or apexes of the cross-sectional shape.

[0174] In certain embodiments, at least one of the one or more interior walls forming the receptacle 118 can include a heating element 142 and / or can include a thermally conductive material. For example, a configuration of the cartridge 120 in which the cartridge 120 forms a snug fit and / or intimate contact with the receptacle 118 can enable efficient heat transfer between the heating element 142, the receptacle 118, and the cartridge 120, thereby causing efficient and effective heating of the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120. In other embodiments, at least one of the one or more interior walls forming the receptacle 118 can include ridges that only contact the cartridge 120 at specific locations to minimize conductive heat loss from the cartridge due to physical contact with surfaces of the vaporizer body 110 that are not actively heated. For example, a cartridge 120 configuration in which the heater portion 141 (or other thermally conductive portion) of the cartridge 120 contacts the receptacle 118 only in certain areas, such as areas distal to the heating element(s) 142, can maintain a higher temperature in the heating element 142, thereby resulting in efficient and effective heating of the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120.

[0175] Additionally, cartridge 120 can include a compressed and / or denser configuration of non-liquid vaporizable material 102, which can further contribute to efficiently and effectively heating and converting one or more compounds present in vaporizable material 102 to a gas phase. For example, a compressed and / or denser configuration of vaporizable material 102 can include a minimal amount of air or air pockets within vaporizable material 102, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of heat transfer within vaporizable material 102. Such a configuration can enable reduced power consumption, at least because less heating power is required to effectively heat vaporizable material 102 to a temperature sufficient to cause the release of an inhalable substance. Additionally, because at least the heating efficiency of vaporizable material 102 is improved, lower temperatures can be used to heat vaporizable material 102 (e.g., at the interface of an oven or heating element), which can also reduce power consumption and the formation of harmful by-products resulting from heating vaporizable material at higher temperatures. To achieve at least some of the above-mentioned advantages, various embodiments of cartridge 120 are described herein that include vaporizable material formed in a compressed and / or high-density configuration.

[0176] In certain embodiments, the vaporizer device 100 can include a heating system configured to receive and heat the vaporizable material 102 to generate an inhalable aerosol. For example, embodiments of the heating system can include one or more heating elements 142 positioned against, near, inside, outside, or along the walls of the receptacle 118 (e.g., extending along at least a portion of the wall at the distal end (e.g., bottom) of the receptacle 118 and / or extending along at least a portion of each of the distal and / or side walls of the receptacle 118). In certain embodiments, the one or more heating elements 142 can be configured to heat one or more of the walls of the receptacle 118 from the exterior to the interior of the receptacle 118 (e.g., with the vaporizable material 102 inside the receptacle 118). In another example, an embodiment of the heating system may include one or more heating elements 142 positioned at, against, near, within, outside, and / or along a wall of cartridge 120 (e.g., extending along at least a portion of the wall(s) at the distal end (e.g., bottom) of cartridge 120, extending along at least a portion of each of the distal wall(s) and / or side wall(s) of cartridge 120, etc.). In an embodiment, one or more heating elements 142 may form one or more of the walls of cartridge 120 to heat from the exterior to the interior of cartridge 120 (e.g., vaporizable material 102 is within cartridge 120 and, optionally, within heating element 142).

[0177] The heating system can also include at least one airflow path that can be configured to move heated air through vaporizable material 102. As described in more detail below, the heating system can be configured to receive cartridge 120 and heat cartridge 120 using at least one heating element 142 to provide an inhalable aerosol via one or more airflow paths for inhalation by a user.

[0178] Various embodiments of heating systems are described herein that have advantages such as evenly distributing heat to the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120. This can result in improved inhalable aerosol production, less energy and / or lower average temperatures required to form the inhalable aerosol, and increased user satisfaction with using the device and consuming the vaporizable material 102.

[0179] In some embodiments, the heating system of the vaporizer device 100 is configured to heat a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as a tobacco-based material. For example, the vaporizer body 110 may include one or more heater portions 141 or containers 123, each configured to heat the vaporizable material 102 using one or more heating elements 142 to generate an inhalable aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer device 100 may include one or more airflow paths extending through cartridges 120 positioned within respective receptacles 118 and exiting to the user through a mouthpiece portion 130.

[0180] In certain embodiments, cartridge 120 can include one or more barriers configured to contain vaporizable material 102 and / or hold components of cartridge 120 together. The one or more barriers may be provided by heating element 142 itself, container 123, insert 124, an outer layer such as one or more coatings 122, etc. The one or more barriers can be made from a material that is one or both non-vapor permeable and moisture resistant (e.g., resists, at least to some extent, the damaging effects of water). Such materials can include one or more of metal, metal alloy, paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, etc.

[0181] In certain embodiments, the use of a metal such as aluminum in the heating element 142 and / or container 123 may be advantageous when efficient heat transfer (e.g., requiring less energy to spread over a larger area) is required, which may be the case when a single heat source is provided. In other embodiments, a metal such as stainless steel in the heating element 142 and / or container 123 may be advantageous when efficient heat transfer is less important, such as when multiple heat sources are positioned to heat different areas of the cartridge 120. Enclosing the vaporizable material 102 within a non-vapor permeable and / or moisture-resistant barrier can protect the receptacle 118 and / or other parts of the vaporizer device 100 from vapor deposits and / or residue of the vaporizable material, such that cleaning of the heating element 142 and / or other parts of the vaporizer device 100 after use may not be required. Stated another way, one or more of the heating element 142, the container 123, the insert 124, and / or the outer layer (e.g., one or more coatings 122) may provide a barrier between the vaporizable material 102 and the components of the vaporizer body 110, the barrier optionally being non-vapor permeable and / or moisture resistant.

[0182] 1A and / or the container 123 of the cartridge 120 of FIG. 1B can be configured to hold the vaporizable material 102 with a lid, outer and / or inner layer(s) (e.g., coating(s) 122), an insert 124, and / or other components configured to hold the vaporizable material 102 therein. Various embodiments of the heating system and cartridge 120 are described in more detail below.

[0183] 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vaporizer device 200 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Vaporizer device 200 may be an embodiment of one or more components of vaporizer device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. Separately, any of the functional structures described with respect to vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2 may be implemented within or by vaporizer device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0184] For example, as shown, the vaporizer device 200 can include a vaporizer body 210, a receptacle 218, and a ledge 221 exterior to the receptacle 218. As described herein, a cartridge 220 containing a vaporizable material 202 (including any embodiment of the vaporizer material 102 of FIGS. 1A-1C ) can be inserted into the receptacle 218, and at least a portion of the cartridge 220 can remain exterior to the receptacle 218, such as a mouthpiece portion 230 that can include an airflow outlet 228. A heater portion 241 of the cartridge 220 can be inserted into and / or at least partially enclosed within the receptacle 218. The mouthpiece portion 230 and heater portion 241 may be approximately the same size in length along the length of the cartridge 220 (e.g., 1:1), although other relative sizes are contemplated (e.g., approximately 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 5:4, etc.).

[0185] As shown, cartridge 220 extends from cartridge proximal end 220a to cartridge distal end 220b and can house two or more portions, such as heater portion 241 and mouthpiece portion 230. The total distance between cartridge proximal end 220a and cartridge distal end 220b can be considered the length of cartridge 220, extending along the y-axis, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 3). Additionally, any component of cartridge 220 can be referenced as having a length as referenced by the y-axis in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 3).

[0186] Also as shown, the vaporizer body 210 can extend from a body proximal end 210a to a body distal end 210b. The total distance between the body proximal end 210a and the body distal end 210b can be considered the length of the vaporizer body 210 extending along the y-axis, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A). Furthermore, the vaporizer body 210, as well as any components of the vaporizer device 200, can be referenced as having a length as referenced by the y-axis in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A for components of the vaporizer body 210).

[0187] Cartridge 220 can be considered to have two additional dimensions across its length: depth and width. As referred to herein, the depth of cartridge 220 can be the distance between two points on opposing exterior surfaces of cartridge 220 (e.g., surface areas that can be substantially the same size and shape when rotated about a central longitudinal axis) in a dimension perpendicular to the length of cartridge 220, for example, extending along the z-axis as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 3). Additionally, any component of cartridge 220 can be referred to as having a depth as referenced by the z-axis in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 3). In certain embodiments, the depth of cartridge 220 can be understood as the maximum distance of cartridge 220 along the z-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of cartridge 220 (e.g., opposing points facing each other along an axis perpendicular to the center of the width of cartridge 220). As referred to herein, the width of cartridge 220 may be the distance between two points on opposing surfaces of the exterior of cartridge 220 in a dimension perpendicular to both the length of cartridge 220 and the depth of cartridge 220, e.g., the longer of two transverse dimensions extending along the x-axis as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 3 ). Additionally, any component of cartridge 220 may be referred to as having a width as referenced by the x-axis in FIG. 2 (and also illustrated in FIG. 3 ). In certain embodiments, the width of cartridge 220 may be understood as the maximum distance along the x-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of cartridge 220 (e.g., opposing points facing each other along an axis perpendicular to the center of the depth of cartridge 220). Accordingly, the axis along which the width of cartridge 220 extends may be referred to as the first transverse axis and / or the major axis of the cartridge, and the axis along which the depth of cartridge 220 extends may be referred to as the second transverse axis and / or the minor axis of the cartridge.

[0188] A surface of cartridge 220 that extends primarily along the width of cartridge 220 may be referred to as the long side of cartridge 220 and / or may be referred to as being on the long side of cartridge 220, and a surface of cartridge 220 that extends primarily along the depth of cartridge 220 may be referred to as the short side of cartridge 220 and / or may be referred to as being on the short side of cartridge 220. Each of the reference surfaces of cartridge 220 may be an exterior surface area of ​​cartridge 220. In some embodiments, the longer opposing surfaces may be considered to be on the long / longer side of cartridge 220 that is offset along the depth of cartridge 220, and the smaller opposing surfaces may be considered to be on the short / short side of cartridge 220 that is offset along the width of cartridge 220. It will be understood that this terminology may apply to any embodiment of the cartridge and its subcomponents (e.g., heater portion, mouthpiece portion, layer of material, coating, etc.) described herein, and this terminology will not be redefined for each embodiment for the sake of brevity.

[0189] The vaporizer body 210 can also be considered to have two additional dimensions transverse to the length of the vaporizer body 210: depth and width. As referred to herein, the depth of the vaporizer body 210 can be the distance between two points on opposing surfaces of the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 in a dimension perpendicular to the length of the vaporizer body 210, extending along the z-axis, as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A). Additionally, the vaporizer body 210, as well as any components of the vaporizer device 200, can be referred to as having a depth as referenced by the z-axis in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A for components of the vaporizer body 210). In certain embodiments, the depth of the vaporizer body 210 can be understood as the maximum distance of the vaporizer body 210 along the z-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 (e.g., opposing points opposite each other along an axis perpendicular to the center of the width of the vaporizer body 210). As referred to herein, the width of the vaporizer body 210 may be the distance between two points on opposing surfaces of the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 in a dimension perpendicular to both the length of the vaporizer body 210 and the depth of the vaporizer body 210, e.g., the longer of two transverse dimensions extending along the x-axis as shown in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A ). Additionally, the vaporizer body 210, as well as any component of the vaporizer device 200, may be referred to as having a width as referenced by the x-axis in FIG. 2 (and also shown in FIG. 5A for components of the vaporizer body 210). In certain embodiments, the width of the vaporizer body 210 may be understood as the maximum distance of the vaporizer body 210 along the x-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 (e.g., opposing points opposite each other along an axis perpendicular to the center of the depth of the vaporizer body 210). Thus, the axis along which the width of the vaporizer body 210 extends can be referred to as the first transverse axis and / or the major axis of the vaporizer body, and the axis along which the depth of the vaporizer body 210 extends can be referred to as the second transverse axis and / or the minor axis of the vaporizer body.

[0190] It will be understood that elements described herein (e.g., vaporizer devices, cartridges, vaporizer bodies, and components thereof) can have surfaces defined in Euclidean or non-Euclidean space. Dimensions of edges, sides, faces, etc. that exist in non-Euclidean space can be considered dimensions of referenced edges, sides, faces, etc. that exist in Euclidean space. The distance between any two edges, sides, faces, points, etc. can be equal to the shortest distance between two opposing points at the centers of each identified structure, component, region, portion, etc. However, if the shape of the structure, component, region, portion, etc. is not uniform (e.g., convex or concave edges of the cartridge 220 and / or vaporizer body 210), the distance can be equal to the longest distance along a plane or volume that intersects the identified edges, sides, points, etc. and is orthogonal to the identified edges, sides, points, etc.

[0191] As used herein, the term "heater portion" can refer to a portion (e.g., a region and / or a subset of components) of a cartridge that includes a heating element or is otherwise heated during use. As used herein, the term "mouthpiece portion" can refer to a portion (e.g., a region and / or a subset of components) of a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece or other component against which a user places their mouth during use. While the cartridge is generally described herein in terms of a heater portion and a mouthpiece portion for simplicity, it will be understood that additional portions can be provided within the cartridge that can be at least partially upstream, between, downstream, adjacent to, internal, and / or external to the heater portion and / or mouthpiece portion. For example, an outer coating or shell can be external to both the heater portion and the mouthpiece portion, a space or component(s) can be disposed between the heater portion and the mouthpiece portion, the heater portion can include an insert and / or end cap upstream of the heater portion or at least partially within the heater portion, the mouthpiece portion can include an insert and / or end cap downstream of the mouthpiece portion or at least partially within the mouthpiece portion, etc. As shown, the vaporizer device 200 may include one or more input devices 216a, 216b (collectively referred to as input devices 216), such as a pair of input devices 216a on either side of the vaporizer body 210 and / or one or more input devices 216b on the ledge 221. In certain embodiments, the one or more input devices 216 may include buttons (e.g., plastic, metal, elastomer), capacitive sensors, etc. The controller of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to detect actuation (e.g., touch or force) of the one or more input devices 216 based on signals or data provided by the one or more input devices 216, similar to the controller 104 of FIGS. 1A-1B.In embodiments in which multiple input devices 216 are present, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to activate the vaporizer device 200 only in response to detecting actuation of all input devices 216 (e.g., two input devices 216a located on opposite sides of the vaporizer body 210). It may be beneficial to provide multiple input devices 216 in different locations (e.g., in locations most likely to be all touched simultaneously only during active use of the vaporizer device 200), each of which is unlikely to be accidentally activated.

[0192] In certain embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to select a predetermined operating temperature and / or heating profile from among N temperatures or profiles. According to these embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured (and a user can be permitted) to select a temperature or profile based on detecting activation of one or more input devices 216. In certain embodiments, two or more input devices 216 (e.g., input device 216a) can be used to increase or decrease a currently selected operating temperature (also referred to as a target temperature) and / or profile between zero (0) and N temperatures and / or profiles, with zero meaning that the vaporizer device 200 is in an “off” state (e.g., not actively heating the receptacle 218 but configured to detect interaction with one or more components of the vaporizer device 200). Thus, one of the two or more input devices 216 can be actuated to increase the currently selected operating temperature and / or profile, and another of the two or more input devices 216 can be actuated to decrease the currently selected operating temperature and / or profile. The two or more input devices 216 may be actuated to provide switching between an "off" state and an "on" state (e.g., the "on" state starts at the lowest pre-configured temperature and / or profile) when both of the two or more input devices 216 or a dedicated one of the two or more input devices 216 is actuated (e.g., depressed or pressed) for a predetermined period of time. In other embodiments, one input device 216 may be actuated to increase the temperature and / or profile over a range of zero (0) to N operating temperatures and / or profiles, and / or one input device 216 may be depressed to switch between an "off" state and an "on" state.

[0193] In certain embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to operate at one or more predetermined operating temperatures (e.g., power the heating element 142 as described herein), such as based on a default or user-selected heating profile. For example, in some heating profiles, the controller of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to power the heating element 142 at a first operating temperature for a first period of time, power the heating element 142 at a second operating temperature for a second period of time, and power the heating element 142 at a third operating temperature for a third period of time. In certain embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to power the heating element 142 at approximately 270°C for approximately 20 seconds, power the heating element 142 at approximately 250°C for the next 25 seconds, and power the heating element 142 at approximately 220°C for the remainder of the vaporization session (e.g., until the cartridge is fully used and / or a maximum duration is reached).

[0194] In certain embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to detect when the heater portion 241 is present within the receptacle 218 and / or when it has been present for a sufficient duration. In response to determining that the heater portion 241 is present within the receptacle 218 and / or has been present for a sufficient duration, the controller of the vaporizer device 200 can switch the vaporizer device 200 between an “off” state and an “on” state, raise the temperature to a range of zero (0) to N target temperatures, implement a predetermined (e.g., user-selected) profile from a plurality of zero (0) to N different profiles, etc.

[0195] In certain embodiments, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to determine whether the cartridge 220 is used and / or should be replaced. This may occur when all, most, or an estimated threshold amount of one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 202 contained within the cartridge 220 have been converted to the vapor phase, when an insufficient quantity or quality of vaporizable material 202 is present to provide a satisfactory inhalable aerosol for a user, etc. For example, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to determine that the cartridge 220 is used and / or should be replaced based on the length of time the cartridge 220 is heated, the temperature to which the cartridge 220 is heated over the length of time, the temperature at each of multiple time segments (which may be measured via the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 as described herein), etc. Based on determining that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be replaced, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to provide an indication that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be replaced, switch the vaporizer device 200 to an “off” state, etc. During operation, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to provide an indication of an estimated amount of vaporizable material 202 remaining in the cartridge 220 and / or an estimated amount of time remaining in a vaporization session in which the vaporizable material 202 may be used (e.g., a period of time beginning when the vaporizer device 200 is heated or when the receptacle 218 reaches a predetermined operating temperature and ending when the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be replaced). In certain embodiments, the controller 104 may be contained within and / or communicate with the vaporizer body 210 and / or cartridge 220.

[0196] The vaporizer device 200 may include multiple outputs 217 (e.g., LEDs), which may be similar to the output(s) 117 (e.g., vibration, sound, etc.). The controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to illuminate one or more of the LED outputs 217 in response to detecting one or more actuations of the input devices 216 or detecting that the cartridge 220 has been inserted into the receptacle 218 to indicate one or more of the following: - the currently selected operating temperature and / or temperature profile, - the current temperature of receptacle 218, the current temperature of the receptacle 218 relative to the currently selected operating temperature and / or temperature profile; that the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached the currently selected operating temperature; an estimate of the amount of available vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge 220 (e.g., by increasing or decreasing the number of illuminated LED outputs 217); - the estimated amount of time remaining in the vaporization session (e.g., by increasing or decreasing the number of LED outputs 217 illuminated); - an indication that the cartridge 220 is used or should be replaced; etc. In an embodiment, one or more input devices 216 may include one or more of the described LEDs (in addition to or instead of LED output 217), may be at least partially surrounded by the LEDs, and / or may be positioned relative to the LEDs such that a perimeter of light (e.g., a halo) at least partially surrounds the perimeter of one or more input devices 216.

[0197] The controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to illuminate an LED (e.g., an LED proximate one or more of the plurality of LED outputs 217 and / or input devices 216) in one or more colors and / or according to one or more patterns. For example, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 may be configured to illuminate an LED according to different colors to indicate the current temperature of the receptacle 218 (e.g., an oven), blink one or more times to indicate that the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached a currently selected operating temperature, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 104 may be configured to provide tactile feedback (e.g., via one or more outputs 217, such as a motor, a linear resonant actuator, etc.) to indicate that one or more input devices 216 have been pressed, whether the vaporizer device 200 has switched between an “off” state and / or an “on” state (e.g., that the receptacle 218 is heated), the current temperature of the receptacle 218 (e.g., in a periodic pattern with increasing frequency), whether the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached a currently selected operating temperature, when a threshold amount of estimated amount of available vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge 220 has been reached, when a threshold amount of estimated time remaining in the vaporization session has been reached, that the cartridge 220 is used and / or should be replaced, etc.

[0198] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge 320 in the form of an exploded schematic diagram consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. The cartridge 320 may be an embodiment of one or more components of the cartridge 120 of FIGS. 1A-1B and / or the cartridge 220 of FIG. 2, and / or may be configured for use within a vaporizer device, such as the vaporizer devices 100a, 100b of FIGS. 1A-1B and / or the vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2. As used herein, an "end cap" may refer to at least one of various materials and / or elements positioned adjacent to a side of a vaporizable material and / or a container for containing the vaporizable material within the cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the end cap may be positioned at an end of the cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the end cap may be positioned offset from the end of the cartridge 120 (e.g., along the length of the cartridge 120), including not being the most distal or proximal element along an embodiment of the cartridge 120. For example, the end caps may form part of the exterior surface of the cartridge 120 and / or the end caps may be completely contained within the exterior surface of the cartridge 120 .

[0199] As shown, heater portion 341 can include a heating element 342 and vaporizable material 302. Heating element 342 and / or vaporizable material 302 can extend between heater portion proximal end 341a and heater portion distal end 341b. In embodiments in which the width of heater portion 341 is greater than the depth of heater portion 341 (e.g., a 3:2 ratio, a 9:5 ratio, a 2:1 ratio, a 9:4 ratio, a 5:2 ratio, or greater ratio), heat transfer can be more efficient. For example, compared to a cylindrical surface, a heating element 342 including two wider opposing surface areas (e.g., faces) with a shorter distance between the two opposing surfaces can enable a vaporizer device that only requires active heating from one or two of the opposing sides, as opposed to over the entire surface of the cylindrical surface. The remaining portions of the heating element 342 that are not actively heated can be configured to absorb and redistribute heat from nearby actively heated areas, thereby providing heat to a much larger surface area of ​​the vaporizable material 302 compared to a cylindrical surface. This non-cylindrical structure (e.g., elliptical or oval) is more difficult to manufacture than a cylindrical structure, but provides benefits to the user by making the system easier and more comfortable to use (e.g., a more ergonomic structure that conforms to the natural shape of the user's lips). Additionally, less power use due to increased efficiency allows for longer battery life and / or fewer space constraints for the vaporizer device (e.g., smaller batteries can be used). Finally, the manner in which the heating element 342 is heated can affect the temperature to which the vaporizable material 302 is heated and / or the rate at which one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 302 are converted to the gas phase and / or otherwise released from the vaporizable material 302.

[0200] As described herein, heating element 342 can be configured to convert electrical energy into heat (e.g., by induction heating, resistive heating, etc.). However, in some embodiments, heating element 342 of FIG. 3 may instead be viewed as a container (e.g., similar to container 123 of FIG. 1B) that receives heat from an external heat source and distributes it to vaporizable material 302. In embodiments in which induction heating is used to heat heating element 342, providing a larger surface area also has additional advantages. For example, it is easier to generate eddy currents in a larger, flatter surface compared to a smaller or curved surface. Additionally, the larger surface area of ​​heating element 342 allows more of the heating element 342 to be in direct thermal contact with a larger area of ​​vaporizable material 302. These eddy currents can be generated over a larger surface area using less energy, and / or the larger surface area can provide multiple smaller regions that can be selectively targeted using multiple smaller inductors. In this regard, the use of susceptors that are inductively heated at least primarily through the formation of eddy currents, rather than through hysteresis (as is the case with susceptors including magnetic and / or ferrite materials), can be advantageous. In embodiments in which eddy currents are the primary (e.g., entire) form of heat generation, the induction coil(s) may include or otherwise be formed from Litz wire. As used herein, Litz wire may refer to wire formed from multiple strands (e.g., 5 strands, 10 strands, 20 strands, 40 strands, etc.) of metal twisted or braided together, and may optionally include an outer insulating material, an inner core of material, etc.

[0201] In some embodiments, a non-ferrite and / or non-magnetically permeable susceptor is provided. For example, aluminum can be considered non-ferrite and non-magnetically permeable, and thus is substantially free from hysteresis. With no or substantially no effect on temperature generated via hysteresis, the temperature of a non-ferrite and / or non-magnetically permeable susceptor can be derived based on the direct relationship between susceptor temperature and eddy currents, as described herein. While inductors and / or induction coils are sometimes referred to herein as "heating" susceptors and / or heating elements, those skilled in the art will understand that heating in this sense can be considered as an inductor generating magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy that is radiated into and absorbed by one or more segments of the susceptor and then converted to heat via eddy currents and / or hysteresis.

[0202] In some embodiments, the heating element 342 extends along all or at least a portion of the length of the heater portion 341, defining an interior volume between the depth and width of the heater portion 341. The vaporizable material 302 can fill most of the volume, although other components, such as end caps configured to seal the ends of the volume, may be present. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material 302 can be formed from tobacco leaves (e.g., dried, cut, shredded, and / or reconstituted), tobacco stems (dried, cut, shredded, and / or ground), a carrier, and / or an acid (e.g., an organic acid, such as benzoic acid or citric acid). The ratio of tobacco leaves to tobacco stems can be based on the desired total amount of nicotine delivered and can vary depending on the tobacco strain used. Tobacco stems can provide a similar sensation to smoking when vaporized, but with a lower nicotine content. The carrier can be formed from vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like. In some embodiments, the carrier can form 30-50% of the total weight of the vaporizable material 302. Because tobacco naturally contains some moisture, the weight percent of the carrier can be measured relative to the dry weight of the vaporizable material.

[0203] Including a carrier, such as vegetable glycerin, as at least 30% of the dry weight of the vaporizable material 302 can produce a smoother inhalable aerosol, providing users with a unique experience that is more comfortable than smoking combustible cigarettes and other available non-combustion heat-not-burn products. For example, a cartridge 320 containing a vaporizable material 302 with a carrier that forms at least 30% of the dry weight of the vaporizable material 302 can enable lower vaporization temperatures (e.g., on the order of about 100°C), and therefore less odor, higher flavor extraction efficiency, and net reduction in HPHCs (harmful and potentially harmful compounds) through less carbonization, a more tunable experience, more uniform vaporization of nicotine from the tobacco over time, and faster heating times (e.g., 10-15 seconds compared to 20-30 seconds or more). In exemplary embodiments of the vaporizable material 302, the tobacco leaves and tobacco stems are in a ratio of about 1:1, 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, or 4:5, and the vegetable glycerin forms at least 30%, e.g., less than about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%, of the dry weight of the vaporizable material 302. For example, in one embodiment, the vaporizable material 302 includes tobacco leaves and tobacco stems in an approximately 1:1 ratio and about 35% (by weight) vegetable glycerin. Having a larger amount of carrier, if not properly compensated for, can result in degradation of components of the vaporizer body 110, 120, such as the receptacle 118, 218.

[0204] In some embodiments, the carrier (e.g., vegetable glycerin) can be added at multiple stages in the assembly of the cartridge 320. For example, as part of a first series of steps, tobacco material (e.g., tobacco leaves and / or stems) can be dried and mixed with a carrier to form a mixture in which the carrier forms at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 35% of the dry weight of the vaporizable material 302. Before mixing the tobacco material with the carrier, the tobacco material can be cut, shredded, etc. For example, the tobacco material can be formed as cut rag tobacco to have a better ability to absorb the carrier. As part of a second series of steps, the resulting mixture can be formed into a shape (e.g., a slug) that can be more easily incorporated into the cartridge 320, and additional carrier material can be applied to the shape and / or portions of the cartridge 320. For example, in some embodiments, additional carrier material can be sprayed onto the interior of the cartridge 320 (e.g., the interior of the heating element 342). Additionally or alternatively, additional carrier material can be applied to the formed shape of vaporizable material 302, such as by spraying and / or pouring, before and / or after the vaporizable material is disposed within the interior volume of heating element 342. When cartridge 320 is fully assembled, the carrier can form at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50% of the dry weight of vaporizable material 302. Such assembly can enable the use of less complex machinery for mixing the tobacco material with the carrier, while also providing cartridge 320 with a higher concentration of carrier in vaporizable material 302. In some embodiments, applying additional carrier to the exterior of the formed shape of vaporizable material 302 and / or to the interior of heating element 342 can help provide a more uniform vapor and aerosol over time relative to vaporizable material 302 formed via a simple mixture of tobacco material and carrier, as the heat generated by heating element 342 is more likely to vaporize the carrier initially.

[0205] To control the composition of the inhalable aerosol, it may be beneficial to separate the tobacco material from the carrier for the vaporizable material. For example, Figures 17A-17H show block diagrams of various embodiments of tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 that can be combined into different forms of vaporizable material 1702a-1702h. As shown in Figure 17A, tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within vaporizable material 1702a and can be positioned opposite each other with respect to a cross-section defined by the length and width of vaporizable material 1702a. As shown in Figure 17B, tobacco material 1798 can occupy a smaller volume within vaporizable material 1702b than the volume occupied by carriers 1799a and 1799b (e.g., a 1:2 ratio, a 1:3 ratio, etc.), and tobacco material 1798 can be positioned upstream and off-axis from the cross-section defined by the length and width of vaporizable material 1702a. As shown in Figure 17C, tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within vaporizable material 1702c and can be positioned opposite each other with respect to a cross-section defined by the length and depth of vaporizable material 1702c. As shown in Figure 17D, tobacco material 1798 can occupy a volume greater than the volume occupied by carrier 1799 within vaporizable material 1702d (e.g., a 2:1 ratio, a 3:1 ratio, etc.), and the volume occupied by carrier 1799 can surround the volume occupied by tobacco material 1798. As shown in Figure 17E, tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within vaporizable material 1702e and can be positioned on top of each other with respect to a cross-section defined by the depth and width of vaporizable material 1702e. As shown in FIG. 17F, the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799 can occupy different volumes within the vaporizable material 1702f and can be positioned above each other with respect to a cross-section defined by the depth and width of the vaporizable material 1702f, with a gap between the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799.As shown in Figures 17G and 17H, the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799 can occupy different volumes within the vaporizable material 1702g, 1702h and can be positioned opposite each other with respect to a cross-section defined by the length and width of the vaporizable material 1702g, 1702h.

[0206] In each of the embodiments of Figures 17A-17H, the vapors produced by heating the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799 can combine to form a combined vaporized material, such as at or near the intersection of the volumes occupied by the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799. The volume in which the combined vaporized material is formed can be in fluid communication with a vapor inlet 1735, which can be similar to the vapor inlets 335, 435, 635 described herein. In some embodiments, separate heating elements 342 and / or inductors can be included to heat the respective volumes of the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799. Thus, different amounts of heat can be applied separately to the tobacco material 1798 (e.g., a higher temperature) and the carrier 1799 (e.g., a lower temperature) to optimize the user experience. In any of the embodiments of Figures 17A-17H, a wicking material, including the carrier 1799, can be included to retain the carrier 1799 within a desired volume.

[0207] In some embodiments, the heating element 342 can be formed from metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, zirconium, stainless steel (ferritic or non-ferritic), and nickel. As described herein, aluminum is beneficial for spreading heat, while stainless steel is better at localizing heat. For induction heating approaches, the use of non-magnetic materials such as aluminum allows for the generation of eddy currents within the susceptor heater, while magnetic materials such as ferritic stainless steel are inductively heated through a hysteresis mechanism. These two heating approaches generally require different inductor coil arrangements, which may have different requirements, such as the amount of power required to generate the electromagnetic field. However, in some embodiments, the heating element 342 is non-ferritic and non-magnetically permeable, which simplifies the design of the vaporizer device 100, 200 and allows for tighter control over the heating of the heating element 342.

[0208] The heating element 342 can be formed of one or more pieces and can define all or substantially all of the walls (e.g., the bottom wall and the perimeter along the longitudinal axis, either or both of which can have perforations or other openings) that define the volume into which the vaporizable material 302 can be inserted. However, for ease of manufacturing, the heating element 342 can be a single metal sheet configured to wrap (at least partially) around the heater portion 341. The two ends of the heating element 342 sheet can contact or be adjacent to each other at or near a joining location 345, as shown in FIG. 3 , and can form a continuous loop if desired. In certain embodiments, when assembled within the cartridge 320, the surface of the heating element 342 that primarily faces and / or contacts the vaporizable material 302 can be considered the inner surface of the heating element 342, and the surface of the heating element 342 that primarily faces away from and / or does not contact the vaporizable material 302 can be considered the outer surface of the heating element 342. If the heating element 342 is formed of paper-backed metal, the exposed surface of the metal material may be considered the inner surface of the heating element 342, and the exposed surface of the paper material may be considered the outer surface of the heating element 342. In embodiments in which the assembled heating element 342 includes overlapping and / or intersecting portions, the inner and outer surfaces of the heating element 342 may be defined for the heating element 342 prior to assembly. In certain embodiments, the bond location 345 may be interpreted as a location or area at or near an end of the heating element 342, such as when an end of the heating element 342 is at or near another end or area of ​​the heating element 342. If portions of the heating element 342 overlap, the bond location 345 may optionally be considered the overlapping portion partially bounded by the ends of the heating element 342. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the bond location 345 may be considered to be the location or area at or near which a bond is formed between two portions of the heating element 342 (e.g., via direct physical contact, welding, adhesive bonding, etc.).

[0209] Optional variations of heating elements 342 and bond locations 345 are shown in FIGS. 15A-15E as heating elements 1542a-1542e (collectively, heating element(s) 1542) and bond locations 1545. In some embodiments, a portion of the heating element 342, 1542 proximate one end of the heating element 342, 1542 (e.g., relative to the sheet of material forming the heating element 342, 1542) at least partially overlaps a portion proximate another end of the heating element 1542, such as proximate the bond locations 345, 1545. The overlapping portions may be welded, glued, crimped, interlocked, pressed, or otherwise connected to one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15E, the overlapping portions of the heating element 1542e can be connected with the outer surface of the heating element 1542e adjacent one end of the heating element 1542e contacting the interior, and the inner surface of the heating element 1542e adjacent another end, as shown in FIG.

[0210] The overlapping or intersecting portions of the heating element 1542 can be large enough that they form a capacitive region 1549, which can improve the performance of the heating element 1542 by providing a path for current to flow across or through the capacitive region 1549. The capacitive region 1549 can be considered to be (or at least include) an area of ​​the heating element 1542 where a path for current to flow is formed between adjacent overlapping, intersecting, or otherwise connected portions of the heating element 1542.

[0211] In some embodiments, the overlapping portions of the heating element 1542 at the bond location(s) 1545 and / or capacitive region 1549 may be connected (e.g., welded, glued, crimped, interlocked) to one another to provide a path for electrical current to flow therebetween. Any intermediate non-metallic or non-conductive portions of the heating element 1542 may be destroyed or removed sufficiently to ensure the path. For example, if the heating element 1542 is formed from a paper-backed metal, the paper between the two overlapping metal portions of the heating element 1542 may be destroyed or removed to allow electrical current to flow between the metal portions.

[0212] In some embodiments, a conductive adhesive can be applied to overlapping or intersecting areas (e.g., within bond location(s) 1545 or capacitive region 1549), which can further improve the path of electrical current. For example, the conductive adhesive can include an adhesive or paste that includes silver, gold, copper, graphite, aluminum, and / or other conductive materials.

[0213] In some embodiments, the ends of the heating element 1542 are bent proximate the junction location 345 (e.g., both inward toward the vaporizable material 302 or both outward away from the vaporizable material 302, such as at a substantially right angle), and the intersections are welded, glued, crimped, interlocked, or otherwise connected together. In other embodiments, the ends of the heating element 1542 can be formed with complementary shapes designed to mechanically mate with opposing tabs, etc., formed on opposing ends of the heating elements 342, 1542 (e.g., relative to the sheets of material forming the heating element), configured to be secured to one another when the opposing ends of the heating elements 342, 1542 are mated.

[0214] In other embodiments, the heating element 1542 is formed of a sufficiently rigid material so that the ends need not be physically coupled to one another but can contact one another. In other embodiments, the ends of the heating element 1542 are proximate to one another but do not physically contact one another (see, e.g., FIG. 15B). For example, the heating element 1542 can be configured to encircle 95%-99%, more than 90%, and / or less than 100% of the inner circumference of the cartridge 320 and / or the heater portion 341. In other embodiments, the ends of the heating element 1542 are proximate to one another, and one or more bridges (which can also form one or more capacitive regions 1549) between the ends of the heating element 1542 are formed via welding (e.g., laser welding, ultrasonic knurling, electron beam welding, gas flame welding, friction welding, etc.), or the like. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D, the bridges can be formed as the illustrated capacitive regions 1549. In other embodiments, the heating element 1542 is formed as a single continuous loop of material without bond locations 345, 1545 (see, for example, FIG. 15A).

[0215] As described herein, certain portions of the heating element 342, 1542 can be modified (e.g., during manufacture, during use, etc.) to provide certain electrical properties that allow for further control over the current flowing through the heating element 342, 1542.

[0216] Having the heating element 342 in the form of a continuous loop can form a conductive path around the heating element 342. Being formed in the shape of a continuous loop can increase the efficiency of the heating element 342, and thereby increase the efficiency of the vaporizer device 100 utilizing such a structure. However, such efficiency improvements can be greater in systems where the heating element 342 is inductively heated via an inductor in the form of a coil wrapped in multiple turns around an area near the periphery of the heating element 342 (see, e.g., inductor 543 in FIG. 5D ).

[0217] In other embodiments, induction coils that are not wrapped around areas near the periphery of the heating element 342 can be utilized to make it easier to manufacture each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320. For example, induction coils that are instead placed in different areas near the periphery of the heating element 342, but are not completely wrapped, can be implemented so that a complete conductive path around the heating element 342 is not required to achieve an efficient system (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C, 11A-11I, 12A-12E, 13A-13G, and 14A-4C). According to such embodiments, each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320 can be manufactured such that the ends of the heating element 342 meet at the joint locations 345 without joining or welding, which can make manufacturing more efficient and / or less expensive.

[0218] In this regard, non-cylindrical cartridges 320 and receptacles 118, 218 configured to receive them can have additional advantages not present in conventional cylinder-based systems. For example, a non-cylindrical cartridge 320 configured to fit within a corresponding receptacle 118, 218 in only one or two orientations can allow certain components of the vaporizer body 110, 210 and cartridge 320 to be positioned in a specific orientation every time. Therefore, to benefit from cheaper manufacturing without joining or welding while still increasing efficiency, each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320 can be manufactured so that the bond location 345 is located in a specific, known location, such as on one of the shorter sides of the cartridge 320 or on one of the longer sides of the cartridge 320. The placement of the bond location 345 can be beneficial when the bond location 345 is located away from a drive circuit 143, such as an induction coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, the junction locations 345 can be considered to be off-axis in the primary plane of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coils and / or outside the perimeter of each induction coil. If the junction locations 345 were instead located closer to the drive circuit 143 (e.g., in the primary plane of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coils and / or within the perimeter of the induction coils), this would reduce the coupling efficiency between the induction coils and the heating elements 342, thereby reducing the efficiency of the overall system.

[0219] In some embodiments, the heating element 342 can be manufactured to include a structure optimized and / or tailored to provide a desired coupling with the induction coil. For example, it is possible to create a simple structure for the heating element 342 that couples very well with the induction coil but eventually causes the heating element 342 to reach too high a temperature, thereby burning the vaporizable material 302. In some embodiments, this problem may only exist in certain regions of the vaporizer material 302, thereby making it beneficial to absorb and / or distribute energy more evenly across the heating element 342. Thus, in some embodiments, the heating element 342 can be perforated or cut (e.g., via a laser) to tailor its coupling efficiency, such as by creating a tortuous path for eddy currents to flow through the heating element 342.

[0220] In exemplary embodiments, heating element 342 is fabricated to include an aluminum alloy or other metal, such as aluminum foil, which may range in thickness from 50 to 150 μm, such as 50 to 100 μm, 60 to 80 μm, 70 to 90 μm, 75 to 85 μm, and optionally approximately 80 μm. In certain embodiments, heating element 342 may include a paper-backed metal, which may increase the structural integrity and / or rigidity of a cartridge manufactured with such a structure compared to the structural integrity of a shape formed solely from a particular metal (e.g., aluminum). For example, a paper-backed metal may include a layer of metal disposed within at least one paper layer, such that the metal layer is in direct contact with vaporizable material 302 and / or may provide better heat transfer to vaporizable material 302, and may optionally be disposed (e.g., sandwiched) between two paper layers. In such embodiments, the metal may be in the range of 3-15 μm thick, such as 5-10 μm thick, 6-8 μm thick, and optionally about 6.5 μm thick. In related embodiments, the paper layer(s) and metal layer may be sized such that the overall thickness of the heating element 342 is in the range of 50-150 μm thick, such as 50-100 μm thick, 60-80 μm thick, 70-90 μm thick, 75-85 μm thick, and optionally about 80 μm thick. Thus, the paper layer may be in the range of 35-145 μm thick, such as 40-100 μm thick, 50-70 μm thick, 55-75 μm thick, 60-80 μm thick, 65-75 μm thick, and optionally about 70 μm thick. The total thickness of the heating element 342 may be measured including or excluding the thickness of any covering 322 wrapped around the heating element 342, as described herein. For example, covering 322 external to and / or connecting the heater portion 341 and mouthpiece portion 330 may be included within or excluded from the thickness measurements described herein.For example, the covering material 322 can be made from one or more of card stock, corrugated materials such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastics, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and the like.

[0221] When thinner metal is used for the heating element 342, increased bonding efficiency and / or higher temperatures of the heating element 342 with lower total energy can be achieved. The metal of the heating element 342 can include an aluminum alloy, such as aluminum foil. In other embodiments, the metal can include another alloy, such as Invar. In certain embodiments, the heating element 342 can be formed with a clad metal that can take advantage of the advantages of different metals. For example, the heating element 342 can include a clad metal formed from an aluminum alloy and stainless steel, which can take advantage of the higher bonding efficiency of stainless steel and the higher heat transfer of aluminum.

[0222] In embodiments in which the heating element 342 comprises or is contained within a paper-backed metal, including an outer paper layer and an inner metal layer, an additional material may be provided between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302. For example, a layer of reconstituted tobacco may be disposed between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302. Disposing an additional layer of material between the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302 can provide a buffer for unwanted substances to vaporize and / or form part of the aerosol inhaled by the user. Alternatively, the additional layer of material can absorb substances (e.g., liquids) from the vaporizable material 302 as it is heated. For example, if an adhesive is used to form the shape of the heating element 342, the additional material may provide the advantage of absorbing any adhesive or other material from the metal layer and / or vaporizable material 302. In other embodiments, an additional material (e.g., a layer of reconstituted tobacco) may additionally or alternatively be provided between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the outer paper layer. Such embodiments may also similarly provide the benefit of absorbing any adhesive or other material from the metal layer and / or outer paper layer. For example, if adhesive is applied to the outer paper layer, the additional material layer may absorb any adhesive that peels off the paper layer, provide a buffer to prevent heat generated by the metal layer from burning or degrading the adhesive, etc. In some embodiments, multiple paper layers may be provided externally and / or internally to the metal layer of the heating element 342.

[0223] In certain embodiments, one or more paper layers outside and / or inside the metal layer of the heating element 342 can be coated and / or formed with a material configured to absorb liquid from the vaporizable material 302 to reduce the generation of any liquid exiting the cartridge 320 (e.g., being left as residue within the vaporizer body 110, 210). For example, the layer of paper material outside the metal layer can be coated with a material that repels and / or is liquid-impermeable (or at least has a lower liquid permeability than typical paper materials used in cigarettes) so that the direction of flow of any liquid from the vaporizable material 302 can be controlled (e.g., to prevent leakage around the heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320). In such embodiments, any liquid from the vaporizable material 302 can be retained within the cartridge 320 itself, such as by the use of inserts (e.g., filters) and / or end caps at or near the heater portion proximal end 341 a and / or heater portion distal end 341 b, such as the inserts and end caps described herein.

[0224] Although the paper-backed metal is described as including paper or reconstituted tobacco, other materials may alternatively be implemented, such as one or more of: corrugated materials such as cardboard or paper; tobacco paper; heat-resistant plastics (e.g., PET); cellulose acetate; non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto; and the like; paper is described herein only for simplicity. While various layers of material are described as being internal or external, there may be additional materials internal or external to each of the described materials. For example, if the heating element 342 includes or is contained within a paper-backed metal that includes an external paper layer and an internal metal layer, additional materials, such as additional covering 122 and / or covering 322 within the mouthpiece portion 330 that extends outside the heater portion 341, may be provided external to the external paper layer when the cartridge 320 is finally assembled. In various embodiments including a heating element 342 formed as a metal susceptor, the heating element 342 can be configured to heat air passing outside or near the cartridge 320 before the air enters the cartridge 320 and passes through the vaporizable material 302.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 3 , mouthpiece portion 330 can include an insert 324 wrapped around a covering 322 or some other shell or layer of material. Covering 322 can be similar to the outer layer (e.g., covering(s) 122) of FIGS. 1A-1B . For example, covering 322 can be made of a material such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, etc. Insert 324 can be similar to insert(s) 124 of FIGS. 1A-1B . For example, insert 324 can be made of a material such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, etc.

[0226] Insert 324 and / or layer of material (e.g., coating 322) can extend between mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a and mouthpiece portion distal end 330b, and the total distance between these two ends can be referred to as the length of mouthpiece portion 330. Like heater portion 341, mouthpiece portion 330 can include a depth of the shorter mouthpiece portion 330 transverse to its length, and a width of the longer mouthpiece portion 330 transverse to both its length and depth. These dimensions can extend on the same axis as heater portion 341.

[0227] 3, insert 324 can include a plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 extending from a plurality of corresponding vapor inlets 335 at mouthpiece portion distal end 330b to a plurality of corresponding airflow outlets 328 at mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a. Airflow outlet channels 326 thereby form a fluid connection between heater portion 341 and airflow outlets 328, such that vapor generated within heater portion 341 can be drawn toward a user at mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a and ultimately exit airflow outlets 328 as an inhalable aerosol. Proximate mouthpiece portion distal end 330b (at least proximate mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a), insert 324 can further include a plurality of bypass channels 338 each extending from a corresponding bypass air inlet 329 to a corresponding bypass outlet 327, thereby forming a fluid connection between airflow outlet channels 326 and ambient air. In certain embodiments, the airflow outlet channel 326 and / or the bypass channel 338 may be created via a laser cutting operation through the wall of the insert 324 during the manufacturing process.

[0228] The heater portion 341 may include one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., through-holes) at the heater portion distal end 341b configured to allow outside air (i.e., outside the cartridge 320, such as ambient air) to enter a volume at least partially defined by the heating element 342. In certain embodiments, the volume at least partially defined by the heating element 342 may be referred to as a heater chamber because it is the physically coupled location where heating occurs. The heater chamber may be in fluid communication with the heater portion proximal end 341a, which may include one or more outlets. Thus, one or more outlets at the heater portion proximal end 341a may be in fluid communication with one or more cartridge inlets at the heater portion distal end 341b via the heater chamber.

[0229] When a user draws on mouthpiece portion 330 at mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a, this can cause ambient air to enter one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., through-holes) at heater portion distal end 341b and ambient air to generally simultaneously enter multiple bypass air inlets 329. The ambient air entering at heater portion distal end 341b can then pass through vaporizable material 302 as it is heated to capture vaporized material (also referred to as "vapor") generated within a heater chamber that includes a volume at least partially defined by heating element 342. Meanwhile, the air entering multiple bypass air inlets 329 can then pass through multiple bypass channels 338 and exit through their corresponding bypass outlets 327 to enter their respective airflow outlet channels 326. Air entraining the vaporized material 302 within the heater chamber (including the volume at least partially defined by the heating element 342) can then pass through one or more outlets at the heater portion proximal end 341 a, enter the plurality of vapor inlets 335 at the mouthpiece portion distal end 330 b, and enter the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326. As the vapor and air from the heater portion 341 traverse the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326, they mix with ambient air entering through the plurality of bypass air inlets 329 to form an inhalable aerosol. The region where mixing and / or condensation occurs can be referred to as a condensation chamber. Thus, each of the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 can include one or more condensation chambers configured to condense the entrained vapor with the ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. For example, at least some of the one or more airflow outlet channels can include one or more condensation chambers. In certain embodiments, all or a majority of the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 can include one or more condensation chambers. Thus, in some embodiments, a portion of at least one airflow outlet channel 326 may not include at least one condensation chamber. In some embodiments, the condensation chamber (e.g., the area where mixing and / or condensation occurs) can be part of an element and / or space that is separate from and / or outside of the airflow outlet channel 326.The inhalable aerosol ultimately exits through a plurality of airflow outlets 328 at the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a and travels into the user's mouth. Accordingly, the plurality of airflow outlets 328 can be in fluid communication with at least one condensation chamber of a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow outlets 328 and / or configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user. Collectively, the path of the air, vapor, and inhalable aerosol within the cartridge 320 can be referred to as the airflow path of the cartridge 320. The overall airflow path of a vaporizer device including the cartridge 320 is further defined by the vaporizer body, which is described in more detail below. While a flow of "air" is described herein, depending on the location within or even outside the cartridge 320, the "air" can contain other substances, such as gas and / or condensed phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier (e.g., aerosol), liquids or solids (e.g., vaporizable material) that have at least partially transitioned to the gas phase.

[0230] Generating inhalable aerosol in this manner can be beneficial because it provides a larger fluid volume in which the aerosol can form and cool. For example, compared to a single airflow outlet channel, providing two independent airflow outlet channels 326 within mouthpiece portion 330 can increase the total fluid volume in which the aerosol can form and cool, while still providing a smaller fluid volume that is easier to control, provides better draw-in restriction, and allows a larger overall portion of the vapor to mix independently with ambient air.

[0231] Although shown as generally flattened cylindrical shapes, the cross-section of mouthpiece portion 330 and / or heater portion 341 may be different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of mouthpiece portion 330 and / or heater portion 341 may be similar to one or more of the cross-sections of Figures 8A-8F. The cross-section may be anywhere between the respective distal and proximal ends of mouthpiece portion 330 and / or heater portion 341.

[0232] Although heater portion 341 and mouthpiece portion 330 are shown separately in FIG. 3 , they may be combined by one or more outer layers, etc. (e.g., similar to covering 122 in FIGS. 1A-1B ). For example, layer(s) / covering(s) may be made of materials such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, etc. Separately, in some embodiments, more or fewer components and / or features may be present in heater portion 341 and / or mouthpiece portion 330, the components and / or features of heater portion 341 and / or mouthpiece portion 330 may be located in different locations and / or take different physical forms, and / or the components of heater portion 341 and mouthpiece portion 330 may be interchangeable.

[0233] While the various airflow paths are all illustrated as being formed through a single insert 324, there may be more than one insert 324 and / or additional or alternative components within the mouthpiece portion 330 through which the airflow paths are defined. Furthermore, while multiple or singular examples of various features and components are described, more or fewer examples may be provided. Furthermore, while the various features and components defining the airflow paths are illustrated and described as being in particular locations and having particular shapes, other locations and / or shapes are contemplated. For example, while the bypass channel 338 is shown as being defined in a direction generally parallel to the depth of the mouthpiece portion 330, in certain embodiments, the bypass channel 338 can be angled downward (i.e., forming an angle below the first transverse axis). For example, the bypass channel 338 can be angled upward and / or downward relative to the width of the cartridge 120 and / or toward the at least one vapor inlet 335, etc. This can introduce more turbulence into the airflow paths and promote better mixing of the air and vapor. Various embodiments of these alternative cartridge configurations are described in more detail below.

[0234] 4A-4Q illustrate cross-sectional schematic views of various embodiments of vaporizer devices 400a-q consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. For purposes of simplicity only, certain components of vaporizer devices 400a-q are not shown. Furthermore, these vaporizer devices 400a-q may be embodiments of one or more components of vaporizer devices 100a, 100b of FIGS. 1A-1B, vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2, and / or cartridge 320 of FIG. 3.

[0235] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the vaporizer device 400, 400a may include a vaporizer body 410 and a cartridge 420 containing a vaporizable material 402. The vaporizer device 400, 400a shown in FIG. 4B is taken along cross section AA of FIG. 4A. As shown, the vaporizer body 410 may include a holder assembly 458 and one or more sensors 413. The holder assembly 458 may include a frame 447 defining a receptacle 418 and may optionally include multiple ridges 446 within the receptacle. As shown in FIG. 4A, external to the frame 447 and receptacle 418, the holder assembly 458 may include or otherwise be coupled to one or more inductors 443 and / or one or more magnetic flux concentrators 448. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more inductors 443 may include an induction coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnetic flux concentrators 448 may include a magnetic material (e.g., a ferrite material) configured to control and / or direct the electromagnetic field generated by the respective inductor 443, such as by changing the magnetic properties of the magnetic field. In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnetic flux concentrators 448 may include a nanocrystalline material, a nanometallic material, etc. While various embodiments are described with a holder assembly 458 including inductor(s) 443 and / or magnetic flux concentrator(s) 448, it will be understood that such a configuration of the holder assembly 458 is not required. In some embodiments, the inductor(s) 443 and / or magnetic flux concentrator(s) 448 may be affixed to or within other components of the vaporizer body 410 that do not define the receptacle 418. For example, the inductor(s) 443 can be secured to or within the holder assembly 458, and the magnetic flux concentrator(s) 448 can be secured to or within other component(s) of the vaporizer body 410 external to the holder assembly 458 (e.g., component(s) further away from the receptacle 418 and closer to the outer shell of the vaporizer body 410).Alternatively, the inductor(s) 443 and magnetic flux concentrator(s) 448 may be affixed to or within other component(s) of the vaporizer body 410 external to the holder assembly 458.

[0236] In some embodiments, the ridges 446 may be configured to retain the cartridge 420 within the receptacle 418, such as by applying a force against the heater portion 441 of the cartridge 420. In some embodiments, the cartridge 420 may be large enough to apply a force in a direction opposite to the force of the ridges 446, potentially resulting in slight deformation of the heater portion 441. As shown, the ridges 446 may be positioned on one or both of the longitudinal and lateral walls of the cartridge receptacle 418. While the ridges are shown as bulges, other shapes may also be used.

[0237] As shown, cartridge 420 can include a mouthpiece portion 430 and a heater portion 441 within one or more layers of material (shown as coating(s) 422).

[0238] Heater portion 441 can include one or more heating element(s) 442 that at least partially define a volume in which vaporizable material 402 is held. Heating element(s) 442 can be configured to heat vaporizable material 402 to generate vapor. As described herein, heat can be generated by induction means, although conductive and / or convective heating can also be provided. For example, eddy currents can be induced in heating element(s) 442 via induction, which in turn causes heating element(s) 442 to heat. When vaporizable material 402 is in direct contact with heating element(s) 442, vaporizable material 402 can be heated via conductive heating at the point of direct contact. Additionally and / or alternatively, heat generated by heating element(s) 442 can be picked up by air passing along or near heating element(s) 442, distributing the heat to portions of vaporizable material 402 that are not in physical contact with heating element(s) 442, thereby heating vaporizable material 402 via convective heating. The volume in which vaporizable material 402 is held can be considered a heater chamber. For example, a volume at least partially defined by heating element 442 can be referred to as a heater chamber. Thus, heating element(s) 442 can define at least a portion of the perimeter of a heater chamber that contains the vaporizable material, and in some embodiments, can define substantially all of the perimeter. 4A-4Q, arrows shown extending from heating element 442 can indicate the direction of heat flow and / or heat transfer from heating element 442, such as opposing sets of horizontal arrows extending from heating element 442 and directed toward the center of the heating chamber defined by heating element 442 and / or toward the center of vaporizable material 402. As shown in FIG. 4P, arrows are also shown extending from heating element 442 extending along the end of cartridge 420 and indicating the direction of heat flow and / or heat transfer from heating element 442 and directed toward the center of the heating chamber defined by heating element 442 and / or toward the center of vaporizable material 402.As shown in Figures 4A-4Q, arrows that do not extend from heating element 442 can indicate the direction of fluid flow (e.g., airflow, inhalable aerosol, etc.) and / or fluid path (e.g., airflow path, inhalable aerosol path, etc.).

[0239] Heater portion 441 can include an end cap at cartridge distal end 420b to hold vaporizable material 402 therein and / or define a lower boundary of a volume (e.g., heater chamber). However, in certain embodiments, vaporizable material 402 can be formed with sufficient rigidity (e.g., in the form of a puck or another preformed shape) so that an end cap is not necessary. If an end cap is included, the end cap can include one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., through-holes) to allow ambient air to enter the heater chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the end cap can include an air-permeable material to allow air to pass through the material and enter the heater chamber. The end cap can be considered a filter end cap (see FIG. 4H) and / or can include one or more of the following materials: a paper material such as cardstock; a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper; tobacco paper; a heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET); cellulose acetate; non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto. For example, the end cap may comprise a corrugated paper material pressed or formed to fit within the area of ​​the cartridge distal end 420b.

[0240] In certain embodiments, the material forming one or more heating elements 442 may extend further to enclose cartridge distal end 420b and help retain vaporizable material 402 (see, e.g., FIG. 4N). Accordingly, one or more heating elements 442 may include multiple cartridge inlets to allow ambient air (i.e., outside cartridge 420, such as air in receptacle 418) to enter the heater chamber. The multiple cartridge inlets in one or more heating elements 442 may be through-holes formed in the longitudinal dimension of cartridge 420. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple cartridge inlets in one or more heating elements 442 may be through-holes formed in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of cartridge 420, such as around the periphery of one or more heating elements 442 and / or proximate cartridge distal end 420b. If the vaporizable material 402 is exposed at the cartridge distal end 420b (e.g., an end cap may not be used), the boundary formed by the distal ends of one or more heating elements 442 and / or one or more material layers (e.g., coating(s) 422) can form one cartridge inlet to allow ambient air to enter the heater chamber.

[0241] 4A-4B, mouthpiece portion 430 can include one or more inserts 424. One or more inserts 424 can include first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b extending from corresponding first and second vapor inlets 435a, 435b proximate the intersection of mouthpiece portion 430 and heater portion 441 to corresponding first and second airflow outlets 428a, 438b at cartridge proximal end 420a. First and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b thereby form a fluid connection between heater portion 441 and first and second airflow outlets 428a, 428b such that vapor generated within heater portion 441 can be drawn toward a user at cartridge proximal end 420a and ultimately out first and second airflow outlets 428a, 428b as an inhalable aerosol. Proximate the intersection of the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441, the insert 424 can further include first and second bypass channels 438a, 438b extending from corresponding first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b to corresponding first and second bypass outlets 427a, 427b, respectively, thereby forming a fluid connection between the first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b and the ambient air. In certain embodiments, the airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b and / or the bypass channel 438 can be created via a laser cutting operation through the wall of the insert 424 during the manufacturing process. It will be understood that the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4B-4P can be considered to show the bypass air inlet 429, a portion of the bypass channel 438, and the airflow outlet 428 at the location labeled as the bypass air inlet 429. However, the bypass air inlet 429 is shown and described for convenience.

[0242] It will be understood that the cross-section is limited and does not depict, for example, the fact that there are four bypass channels 438 (each with a corresponding air inlet and outlet) according to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4B . However, as described herein, there may be more or fewer bypass channels 438, and the bypass channels 438 may take shapes different from those shown. For example, each of the illustrated rectangular bypass channels 438 can be replaced with more and / or differently sized rectangular bypass channels 438 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4C, 4G, 4I ). In other embodiments, the illustrated rectangular bypass channels 438 can be replaced with multiple circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, such as two, three, four, etc. circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438. In such an embodiment, if there are two airflow outlet channels 426, each has two sets of bypass channels 438, and thus the cartridge 420 can include eight, twelve, sixteen, etc. bypass channels 438. Instead of a rectangular (cuboid) or circular (cylindrical) bypass channel 438, the bypass channel 438 can be formed in other shapes.

[0243] When a user draws on mouthpiece portion 430 at cartridge proximal end 420a, this can cause ambient air to enter receptacle 418 of device body 410 at airflow inlet 434, cause air exiting receptacle 418 to enter one or more inlets at cartridge distal end 420b, and simultaneously cause ambient air to enter bypass air inlet(s) 429. Air entering receptacle 418 from airflow inlet 434 can travel along airflow inlet path 432 to cartridge distal end 420a, where it can sequentially flow into one or more cartridge inlets located therein. In certain embodiments, multiple ridges 446 can define the shape and size of airflow inlet 434 to receptacle 418, as described in more detail below.

[0244] Air entering at cartridge distal end 420b can then pass through vaporizable material 402 as it is heated, entraining the vaporized material produced within the heater chamber. Meanwhile, air entering bypass air inlet(s) 429 can then pass through bypass channel 438 and exit through their corresponding bypass outlets 427 to enter their respective airflow outlet channels 426. Air entraining the vaporized material within the heater chamber can then enter vapor inlet 435 and enter airflow outlet channel 426. As the vapor and air from heater portion 441 traverse the airflow outlet channel 426, they mix with ambient air entering through bypass air inlet(s) 429 to form an inhalable aerosol. The region where mixing and / or condensation occurs can be referred to as a condensation chamber. Accordingly, each of airflow outlet channels 426 can include one or more condensation chambers configured to condense entrained vapor with ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. This inhalable aerosol ultimately travels out the airflow outlet 428 of the cartridge proximal end 420a and into the user's mouth. Accordingly, the multiple airflow outlets 328 can be in fluid communication with at least one condensation chamber of a corresponding one of the multiple airflow outlets 328 and / or can be configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user. Collectively, the path of the air, vapor, and inhalable aerosol through the vaporizer device 400 can be referred to as the airflow path of the vaporizer device 400.

[0245] The one or more sensors 413 may include a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, measurement circuitry configured to measure characteristics of various components of the vaporizer body 410 and / or cartridge 420, etc. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor may be configured to detect changes in pressure occurring along the airflow path of the vaporizer device 400. The detected pressure drop may be used to determine when a user is inhaling, which may then be used to increase the power applied to the heating element(s) 442 to maintain or increase the temperature of the heating element(s) 442. Additionally or alternatively, the detected pressure drop may be used to count the number of puffs taken, which may then be used for other actions, such as ceasing the application of power to the heating element(s) 442 (e.g., placing the vaporizer device 400 in a sleep or off state).

[0246] In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors 413 may include measurement circuitry configured to derive one or more properties of the heating element(s) 442 and / or inductor(s) 443, such as resistance, inductance, and / or temperature. In certain embodiments, the measurement circuitry may include circuitry configured to directly measure one or more properties and / or circuitry configured to estimate one or more properties based on other data (e.g., data obtained via direct measurement, obtained processed and / or filtered measurement data, data obtained from memory, etc.). For example, the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442 may be used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s). The resistance, inductance, and / or temperature may be used to maintain and / or vary the application of power to the heating element(s) 442, such as to achieve a target temperature. For example, modifying the application of power may include increasing or decreasing the total power applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442, adjusting the duty cycle of the power applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442, etc. The duty cycle of the power applied to the heating element(s) 442 may include defined (e.g., predetermined and / or dynamically determined) periods during a given time cycle during which power is applied and defined (e.g., predetermined and / or dynamically determined) periods during which no power is applied. In an embodiment, the default duty cycle may include 48 milliseconds (ms) of applying power and 2 ms of not applying power every 50 ms.

[0247] During the period when no power is applied, the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442 may be derived. If the derived resistance, inductance, and / or temperature exceed a respective threshold (e.g., a target temperature), the period during which power is applied may be decreased and / or the period during which power is not applied may be increased to maintain a stable temperature (e.g., a target temperature) in the heating element(s) 442. If the derived resistance, inductance, and / or temperature fall below the same or different respective threshold (e.g., a target temperature), the period during which power is applied may be increased (to a maximum value, which may be the same as the default value) and / or the period during which power is not applied may be decreased (to a minimum value, which may be the same as the default value). For example, the same period (e.g., the last 2 ms) in each duty cycle (50 ms) may always be devoted to deriving the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442, regardless of the resistance, inductance, and / or temperature, and even if power has not been applied for a longer period.

[0248] However, in certain embodiments, the default duty cycle may be defined to apply power for an entire cycle of time (e.g., 50 ms out of every 50 ms), with measurements taken at predetermined intervals (e.g., at the beginning or end of each duty cycle) regardless of whether power is applied to the heating element(s) 442. The default duty cycle may be adjusted to include periods during the duty cycle during which no power is applied based on measured or derived value(s). This may be achieved, for example, by providing separate drive circuitry (e.g., including one or more inductors 443) and measurement circuitry (e.g., including sensor 413) as described herein. While temperature control may be achieved based on controlling the application of power to the heating element(s) 442 according to the duty cycle as described herein, additionally or alternatively, temperature control may be achieved based on controlling the voltage applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442.

[0249] In embodiments that use eddy currents to heat vaporizable material 402, such as by using heating element(s) 442 with susceptors formed from aluminum and / or another non-ferritic metal, closed-loop temperature control can be implemented with greater precision. For example, in embodiments in which heating element(s) 442 are in direct contact with vaporizable material 402, a more accurate estimate of the current temperature of vaporizable material 402 can be obtained and used in feedback-loop temperature control in accordance with the temperature control methods, components, circuits, etc. described herein.

[0250] In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry can be similar to circuits 973a-e illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E. As shown in FIG. 9A, circuit 973a can include a power source AC (alternating current) (ground) connected to a capacitor C coupled with induction coil(s) 943 (LCOIL). As shown, induction coil(s) 943 can include an inductive component L and a resistive component R, but need not necessarily be physically formed from inductors and resistors (see FIGS. 5A-5J for examples of the physical configuration of LCOILs). Induction coil(s) 943 can be coupled in series or parallel with capacitor C, depending on whether the power source simulates an AC voltage or an AC current. The ends of induction coil(s) 943 not coupled to capacitor C and / or the power source can be coupled to ground. A sensing circuit 913 can be coupled to each end of induction coil(s) 943 to measure the inductance L and resistance R of induction coil(s) 943 for use in the temperature control processes described herein.

[0251] In some embodiments, temperature control may be implemented based on comparing derived (e.g., measured) induction and / or resistance values ​​at different times and / or different frequencies. For example, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit 913 may measure the first inductance L of the induction coil(s) 943 when AC power is not applied to the induction coil(s) 943 by the power source AC. A and / or the first resistor R A The sensing circuit 913 may be configured to measure or derive the second inductance L of the induction coil(s) 943 while power is being applied by the power source AC, such as when heating the heating element(s) 442 (not shown). B and a second resistor R BThese measurements can be made to determine the effect that the heating element(s) 442 have on the induction coil(s) 943. These measurements can be made at a particular frequency, such as within the range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. Based on these measurements, the sensing circuit 913 and / or other circuitry (e.g., the controller 104 in communication with the sensing circuit 913) can be configured to derive (e.g., estimate) the temperature of the heating element(s) 442. For example, the ratio of the resistance to the inductance caused by the heating element(s) 442 (e.g., R C / L C ) is the formula (R A -R B ) / (L A -L B ) can be estimated based on the inductance of the heating element(s) 442, which generally does not change with temperature. C / L C ) may be used, along with other information about the heating element(s) 442 and / or induction coil(s) 943, to derive the temperature of the heating element(s) 442 at the time the measurement was made. As described herein, the derived temperature of the heating element(s) 442 may be used to adjust the temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such as by providing the same, more, or less power, and / or the same, longer, or shorter duration, which may be implemented to heat the heating element(s) 442 at or near a target temperature.

[0252] For example, in one embodiment, C / L C) can be combined with the thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heating element(s) 442 to derive an estimated temperature of the heating element(s) 442. The heating element(s) 442 can be manufactured to have a particular TCR, optionally with some tolerance. This particular TCR value and / or tolerance can be stored in the vaporizer device 420, such as in memory 108, the sensing circuit 913, or the like. In other embodiments, the TCR of the heating element(s) 442 can be measured based on predetermined criteria, such as the change in inductance and / or resistance over time or the rate of change of inductance and / or resistance over time, before and / or after heating the heating element(s) 442, at set time intervals before and / or after heating the heating element(s) 442, periodically and / or upon the occurrence of a particular event, such as upon insertion of the heating element(s) 442 into the vaporizer body 410.

[0253] In some embodiments, the Curie temperature of the heating element(s) 442 can be used to maintain the heat applied to the vaporizable material 402 within a particular range. The Curie temperature of an object can be considered the temperature at which the particles of the object are substantially non-magnetic. For example, in embodiments in which the heating element(s) 442 are made of a nickel-iron alloy (e.g., Invar), the heating element(s) 442 can be configured to not exceed a known temperature (e.g., 240°C). Thus, the heating element(s) 442 can be considered self-regulating. Alternatively, the presence of metals with known Curie temperatures can be taken into account in the heater control methods described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 104 and / or other circuitry can be configured to monitor the magnetic properties of the heating element(s) 442 as they transition to their Curie temperature and adjust the heating element(s) so that they remain at or near their Curie temperature. For example, the controller 104 can be configured to reduce the application of power and / or energy to the heating element(s) 442 when the heating element(s) 442 are at or near their Curie temperature so that additional power and / or energy is not wasted.

[0254] In various embodiments, depending on the shape of the heating element(s) 442, multiple induction coils 943 can be used to heat the heating element(s) 442. For example, one induction coil 943 can be used to generate an electromagnetic field for heating each of two opposing long sides of the heating element(s) 442. In other embodiments, a set of two, three, four, five, six, or more induction coils 943 can be used to generate an electromagnetic field for heating each of two opposing long sides of the heating element(s) 442 (see FIGS. 5A-5J for examples of the physical structure and / or location of the induction coils 943).

[0255] When multiple induction coils 943 are implemented, each may be configured to operate at the same frequency and / or different frequencies. For example, in an embodiment, all of the induction coils 943 may be configured, via their structure and / or corresponding circuitry, such as the controller 104, to operate at substantially the same operating frequency, which may change over time. All of the induction coils 943 may be configured to operate at a first frequency (which may be 0 Hz) when power is not being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442, at a second frequency when power is being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442 in a first heating mode (e.g., during a preheat mode, a standby mode, a normal power mode, etc.), and / or at a third frequency when power is being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442 in a second heating mode (e.g., when more power is applied relative to the first heating mode, such as in a normal power mode, a boost power mode, etc.).

[0256] In other embodiments, one or more of the induction coils 943 may be configured to operate at one or more frequencies different from the remaining induction coils 943. According to these embodiments, the induction coils 943 may be configured to operate at substantially the same frequency during a particular time or mode, while also being configured to operate at different frequencies during a particular time or mode. For example, in embodiments in which a set of two or more induction coils 943 is provided to heat each side of the heating element(s) 442, one of the induction coils 943 from each set or one of the induction coils 943 may be configured to operate at a different frequency, while the remaining induction coils 943 operate at the same frequency. When each of the induction coils 943 is positioned near a different portion of the heating element(s) 442, information derived from the induction coil(s) 943 operating at different frequencies can be used to derive additional information about the heating element(s) 442.

[0257] In embodiments where one induction coil 943 is used to heat each long side of the heating element(s) 442, each of the induction coils 943 may have substantially the same frequency (F A ), each of the induction coils 943 can be configured to operate at a different frequency (F B For example, a first induction coil 943 LCOIL near side "A" of the heating element(s) 442 may be further configured to operate at A , and a second induction coil 943 LCOIL near side "B" of the heating element(s) 442 B are in the first mode / time 1, both at frequency F A During the second mode / time 2, the first induction coil 943 LCOIL A is the frequency F B A second induction coil 943 can be configured to operate with B is the frequency F ADuring the third mode / time 3, the first induction coil 943 LCOIL A is the frequency F A A second induction coil 943 can be configured to operate with B is the frequency F B The heating element 442 may be configured to operate at two frequencies F. During each of the modes / times, measurements of the characteristics of the induction coil 943, such as inductance and / or resistance measurements, may be taken. These measurements may be compared to expected measurements to derive additional information about the heating element 442, such as whether the heating element 442 is deforming. For example, if some combination of inductance and / or resistance measurements taken during the second mode / time 2 differs from the same combination of inductance and / or resistance measurements taken during the third mode / time 3, it may be concluded that the heating element 442 is deforming on side A or side B of the heating element 442. A、B is explained, but the frequency F AーN Additional frequencies such as may be applied during heating and / or measurement of heating element(s) 442.

[0258] frequency F A may be the frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 are heated to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. However, frequency F A Alternatively, frequency F may be a frequency at which heating element(s) 442 are not heated to vaporize vaporizable material 402. For example, frequency F A may be a frequency lower than the frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 are heated. B-N may additionally or alternatively include a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 are heated, a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 are not heated (e.g., a frequency lower or higher than the frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 are heated), and / or may be dynamically adjusted based on measurements of the heating element(s) 442, etc. In various embodiments, the frequency F A , FB etc., in the range of 0 Hz to 1 MHz. Additional distinct frequencies can be used to derive more information about the heating element(s) 442. For example, measurements can be made while operating one or more of the induction coils 943 at approximately 50 kHz, 100 kHz, 150 kHz, 200 kHz, 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 350 kHz, 400 kHz, 500 kHz, etc. (e.g., within the range of ±5 kHz, ±10 kHz, ±15 kHz, etc.).

[0259] In some embodiments, multiple induction coils 943 can be positioned near each of side A and / or side B of heating element(s) 442. For example, according to Tables 1-3 below, LCOIL A1 and LCOIL A2 may be placed near side A, and LCOIL B1 and LCOIL B2 may be positioned near side B. According to these exemplary embodiments, each of the induction coils 943 may be driven at a different frequency and / or at a different time. In some of all of the time frames and / or frequencies, the induction coils 943 may be used to derive information about the heating element(s) 442, as described herein.

[0260] As shown in Table 1, all of the induction coils 943 are driven at a frequency F A It can be configured to start at mode / time 1, then each mode / time 2ー5 , one of the induction coils 943 operates at a frequency F B and the rest is the original F A In one embodiment, the pattern of continuously varying frequencies operates at a frequency F B-N different values ​​of F B It can be iterated using [Table 1]

[0261] As shown in Table 2, all induction coils 943 are driven at frequency F A Operation starts at , and then each mode / time 2ー5 In this example, only one of the induction coils 943 operates at a different frequency, while the remaining induction coils operate at the original F A According to the embodiment of Table 2, each induction coil 943 can be configured to operate at multiple frequencies F BーN , and can be configured to operate sequentially over [Table 2]

[0262] As shown in Table 3, all induction coils 943 are driven at frequency F A Start with, then each mode / time 2ー5 Sequentially, multiple induction coils 943 are driven at different frequencies F B It works with the original F A According to the embodiment of Table 3, each of the induction coils 943 can be configured to operate at a frequency F B It will be appreciated that measurements made with a larger number of induction coils 943 and / or at different frequencies may increase the accuracy of the system, for example, by making more accurate determinations regarding the location of deformations. [Table 3]

[0263] Thus, various measurements of heating element(s) 442 can be taken while heating element(s) 442 are actively heated and / or while heating element(s) 442 are not actively heated. Measurements of heating element(s) 442 can be taken while heating element(s) 442 are actively heated in normal power mode, boost power mode, etc. In certain embodiments, the induction coil actively heating heating element(s) 442 to vaporize vaporizable material 402 in normal power mode can be configured to operate in a frequency range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz or 250 kHz to 350 kHz. The induction coil actively heating heating element(s) 442 to vaporize vaporizable material 402 in boost power mode can be configured to operate in a higher frequency range than that in normal power mode, such as above 200 kHz or above 350 kHz, and optionally below 500 kHz. Measurements of the heating element(s) 442 can be made while the heating element(s) 442 may or may not be actively heated, such as in a cartridge detection mode, a preheat mode, a measurement mode, a standby mode, etc.

[0264] In some embodiments, the induction coil 943 operating in measurement mode can be configured to operate at multiple different frequencies and / or frequency ranges while not actively heating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. Information sensed or measured via the induction coil 943 in this mode can be used to determine whether there are irregularities and / or deformations in the heating element(s) 442. In various embodiments, only a portion of the induction coil 943 may operate in measurement mode, while the remaining portion of the induction coil 943 operates in normal power mode or boost power mode. Depending on the level and / or location of the detected deformation, the vaporizer device 400 (e.g., via the controller 104) can be configured to compensate for the deformation, prevent activation of the induction coil 943, provide an indication to a user (e.g., via one or more outputs 117, such as one or more LEDs) that a deformed heating element 442 and / or cartridge 420 has been detected, etc. In some embodiments, compensating for the deformation can include applying more or less power to the region of the heating element 442 determined to be deformed.

[0265] In some embodiments, the induction coil 943 operating in cartridge detection mode can be configured to operate at multiple different frequencies and / or frequency ranges while not actively heating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. Information sensed or measured via the induction coil 943 in this mode can be used to determine whether an object present in the vaporizer device 420, such as the heating element(s) 442, has certain defined characteristics of an object designed for use with the vaporizer device 420. If a heating element(s) 442 with the correct characteristics is detected, the vaporizer device 420 can be configured to allow the induction coil 943 to operate in normal power mode and / or boost power mode. If an object is detected but does not have one or more of the defined characteristics, the induction coil 943 can be disabled from heating. In some embodiments, the defined characteristics of the heating element(s) 442 can be inductance and / or resistance measurements.

[0266] In some embodiments, the induction coil 943 operating in preheat mode can be configured to operate at one or more different frequencies to bring the heating element(s) 442 to a temperature suitable for vaporization. Additionally or alternatively, the preheat mode can include selectively heating different portions of the heating element(s) 442 to expel at least a portion of the water vapor in the vaporizable material 402. If a user inhales through the vaporizer device 420 when the aerosol has a higher water vapor content, such as the first few inhalations, the user may experience a less than pleasant taste. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the user to expel as much water vapor content as possible before inhaling through the vaporizer device 400. In some embodiments, user activation of the preheat mode may occur automatically when the user activates the device, such that the preheat mode is always executed before the normal power mode or the boost power mode.

[0267] While various frequencies and modes are specifically described with respect to the induction coil 943, it is contemplated that other measurement circuits, such as one or more of the sensing coils 513 described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5J , can optionally be provided and configured to additionally or alternatively measure the heating element(s) 442. For example, the measurement circuit can be configured to measure information about the heating element(s) 442 during a normal power mode, a boost power mode, a measurement mode, a cartridge detection mode, a preheat mode, a standby mode, etc. In embodiments in which such measurement circuits (e.g., one or more sensing coils 513) are present, the measurement circuit may be configured to measure the resistance, inductance, temperature, and / or other characteristics of the heating element(s) 442 at one or more different frequencies, not generate an electromagnetic field to heat the heating element(s) 442, operate while the induction coil 943 is heating the heating element(s) 442, and operate while the induction coil 943 is not heating the heating element(s) 442.

[0268] In an embodiment, information about the induction coils 943, such as their inductance, resistance, temperature, etc., may be measured in one or more of the described modes and used to control the applied power or voltage, such as to heat the heating element(s) 442 at different temperatures (e.g., target temperatures), as described herein. Although reference is made to the long side of the heating element(s) 442, other configurations are contemplated depending on the shape and / or location of the heating element(s) 442.

[0269] Other embodiments exist in which additional or alternative information about the induction coil 943 can be measured and / or used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such as via circuit 973b shown in FIG. 9B . In such embodiments, the temperature and / or other characteristics of the induction coil 943 can be measured by a coil temperature sensor 983 in proximity to the induction coil 943. In some embodiments, the coil temperature sensor can include a thermistor, a PTC circuit such as a PTC thermistor, an NTC circuit such as an NTC thermistor, a thermocouple, or the like. According to such embodiments, the sensing circuit 913 and / or other circuitry can be configured to adjust the application of power to the heating element(s) 442 based on the detected temperature of the induction coil 943 in addition to, or instead of, the measured inductance and resistance. For example, a particular detected increase in the temperature of the induction coil 943 can be correlated to an increase in the temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such that the power and / or energy applied to the heating element(s) 442 can be reduced and / or maintained.

[0270] Other embodiments exist in which information about the induction coil 943 can be measured and / or used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s) 442 in a different manner, such as via circuit 973c shown in FIG. 9C . In such embodiments, the induction coil 943 can be part of a drive circuit (for heating the heating element(s) 442), and the sensing circuit 913 is part of a different circuit. In operation, the sensing circuit 913 is instead configured to measure characteristics of the induction coil 943 and / or the heating element(s) 442 wirelessly (e.g., without a direct wired connection), such as via a connected sense coil. Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment of FIG. 9C can be configured to operate using a coil temperature sensor 983 described herein, such as via circuit 973d shown in FIG. 9D .

[0271] In an embodiment, the sensing circuit 913 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the drive circuit so as not to affect the performance of the induction coil 943, such as via circuit 973e shown in FIG. 9E. For example, a resonant circuit formed from capacitor C and the connected induction coil 943 can operate according to a known or measurable resonant frequency and can be used to wirelessly power the heating element(s) 442 and / or measure information about the heating element(s) 442, such as inductance and / or resistance. In an embodiment, the inductance and / or resistance of the heating element(s) 442 can be determined based on measuring the resonant frequency of the induction coil 943 and comparing the measurement to the known resonant frequency of the induction coil 943 (e.g., without the heating element(s) 442 present). For example, the measurement can be implemented by monitoring and / or measuring the ringing of the induction coil 943. In certain embodiments, information about the heating element(s) 442 can be measured and / or determined based on the time and / or rate at which the oscillations of the alternating current (e.g., a sine wave) used to power the heating element(s) 442 stop (e.g., return to zero). Such techniques can be beneficial by providing much faster measurements (e.g., on the order of microseconds) compared to determinations that require more direct measurements of the inductance and / or resistance of the heating element(s) 442.

[0272] In some embodiments, the induction coil 943 may be configured to measure information from something other than the heating element 442, such as for calibration and / or estimation purposes. For example, the induction coil 943 operating in a calibration mode may be configured to operate at multiple different frequencies and / or frequency ranges when the heating element(s) 442 are not present. Information sensed or measured via the induction coil 943 in this mode may be used to determine expected changes in inductance and / or resistance, which may be stored in a look-up table for use in monitoring the induction coil when the heating element(s) 442 are present. The sensed information may be obtained by operation of another induction coil 943, such as one or more induction coils 943 on the opposite side of the vaporizer device 420. For example, in some embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the induction coils 943 may be configured to heat each other to a predetermined temperature and / or for a predetermined time, and the inductance and / or resistance may be measured and / or stored for each of the one or more induction coils 943. Data derived from this monitoring can be used to define one or more parameters for each induction coil(s) 943, which can be incorporated into the temperature control methods described herein. In an embodiment, this calibration mode can be built in at the time of manufacture and / or configured to be performed periodically after sale (e.g., as a recommended user-selectable mode).

[0273] 4A , as described in more detail below, one or more inductors 443 can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field, and one or more magnetic flux concentrators 448 can be configured to direct the electromagnetic field toward one or more heating elements 442. Upon receiving the electromagnetic field, one or more heating elements 442 can be configured to convert electrical current into heat to heat vaporizable material 402.

[0274] In embodiments in which only one airflow outlet channel 426 is included, such as through an insert 424 in a mouthpiece portion 430, as shown in vaporizer device 400c in FIG. 4C, the airflow outlet channel 426 may be longer along the width of the cartridge 420 compared to each individual airflow outlet channel 426 when two or more airflow outlet channels 426 are included. Providing a single airflow outlet channel 426 can provide a more homogeneous aerosol compared to two separate airflow outlet channels 426. Separately, providing a larger airflow outlet channel 426 and / or a larger mixing chamber, or a greater extent or tortuosity in the aerosol exit path, can increase the residence time the vapor and air spend within the airflow outlet channel 426 as well as increase contact with cooler surfaces, which can help cool the resulting aerosol to a lower temperature and promote proper aerosol formation (e.g., nucleation). As used herein, a suitable aerosol formulation can refer to an aerosol formulation that is desirable for the user (e.g., not too hot, does not contain larger particles, provides a particular sensation in the mouth, etc.).

[0275] Similar to the vaporizer device 400a of FIG. 4A, the bypass air inlet(s) 429 may be located on both major faces of the cartridge 420 (i.e., faces separated by the depth of the cartridge 420) in fluid communication with the single airflow outlet channel 426 of FIG. 4C. Each of the two sets of bypass channels 438 may include one or more rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438, one or more circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, and / or one or more bypass channels 438 of other shapes. In certain embodiments, the bypass channels 438 may be offset from one another along the length and width of the cartridge 420 to generate turbulence within the airflow outlet channel (see FIG. 4I). Such turbulence can further promote mixing of air and vapor in generating an inhalable aerosol. The vaporizer devices 400, 400c may include at least some of the same components as the vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400c identified and discussed herein can be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4B and / or 4D-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0276] 4D , in embodiments including differently shaped airflow outlet channels 426, such as through one or more inserts 424 in the mouthpiece portion 430, the airflow outlet channels 426 may be positioned at different locations across the width of the cartridge 420. For example, as shown, the first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b may be positioned in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and further from the cartridge proximal end 420a along the length of the cartridge 420), and the third airflow outlet channel 426c may be positioned in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and further from the cartridge distal end 420b along the length of the cartridge 420).

[0277] This configuration offers advantages over the two independent airflow outlet channels 426 in the vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B and the single airflow outlet channel 426 in the vaporizer device 400c of FIG. 4C. For example, the advantages of each of these configurations can be simultaneously utilized. When the air and vapor from the heater portion 441 enter the independent first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b and mix with ambient air from the respective bypass air inlet(s) 429, the small fluid volume maintains adequate resistance to draw, allowing space for the vapor to mix with the air more efficiently and cool faster. When the air and vapor then enter the larger third airflow outlet channel 426c, the extended residence time promotes further cooling and homogeneous mixing, resulting in a more homogeneous aerosol. Furthermore, the size change from the small diameter to the large diameter channel creates turbulence, and the longer / tortuous airflow path increases cooling time and promotes proper aerosol formation.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b may be provided in the first insert 424, and the third airflow outlet channel 426c may be provided in the second insert 424. The first insert 424 may be stacked on top of the second insert 424 along the length of the cartridge 420, from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second inserts 424 are held together (e.g., held within a layer of material, wrapped together within a covering 422, etc.) to form the mouthpiece portion 430, and may further include an additional layer of material (e.g., covering 422) that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441 together. The vaporizer device 400, 400d may include at least some of the same components as the vaporizer device 400a shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, unless otherwise noted, and may operate in a similar manner. Furthermore, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400d described herein may be freely combined with the configurations of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4C and / or 4E-4Q, except where otherwise noted or impractical.

[0279] While the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b are shown in FIG. 4D as fluidly communicating with a single, larger, third airflow outlet channel 426c, each of the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b can alternatively be fluidly communicated with their own separate, respective, larger, third and fourth airflow outlet channels 426c, 426d, as shown in FIG. 4Q. Accordingly, various embodiments of the cartridge 420 described herein can include more controlled regions where the vaporized material mixes with ambient air for cooling and / or promoting proper aerosol formation. As further shown in FIG. 4Q, each of the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b can include two bypass air inlets 429, resulting in a cartridge 420 with a total of eight bypass air inlets 429.

[0280] As shown in vaporizer device 400e of Figure 4E, other embodiments exist that include differently shaped airflow outlet channels 426, such as through one or more inserts 424 in mouthpiece portion 430. For example, as shown, first airflow outlet channel 426a can be located in a lower region of mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to cartridge distal end 420b and farther from cartridge proximal end 420a along the length of cartridge 420), and second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c can be located in an upper region of mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to cartridge proximal end 420a and farther from cartridge distal end 420b along the length of cartridge 420).

[0281] There are advantages to this configuration compared to using two independent airflow outlet channels 426 in the vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B or individual airflow outlet channels 426 in the vaporizer device 400c of Figure 4C. For example, the individual advantages of each can be achieved together. When air and vapor from the heater portion 441 enter the first airflow outlet channel 426a and mix with ambient air from the bypass air inlet(s) 429, aerosol generation can benefit from increased residence time within the first airflow outlet channel 426a, helping the air and vapor cool longer and providing better mixing resulting in a more homogeneous aerosol. When the air and vapor then enter the smaller, independent second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c, the smaller fluid volume provides better withdrawal restriction and is easier to control. Separately, the presence of two smaller volumes after a larger volume can help introduce turbulence and promote mixing, provide a longer and / or more tortuous airflow path, increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first airflow outlet channel 426a can be a channel in the first insert 424, and the second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c can be channels in the second insert 424. The first insert 424 can be stacked on top of the second insert 424 along the length of the cartridge 420 in a direction from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second inserts 424 can also be held together (e.g., wrapped) in a layer of material (e.g., covering 422) so that they can form the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., held in a layer of material, wrapped together in covering 422, etc.), and an additional layer of material (e.g., covering 422) can be included that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 together with the heater portion 441. Vaporizer device 400, 400e may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400e identified and discussed herein may be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4D and / or 4F-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0283] 4F , other embodiments exist that include additional and / or different inserts 424, such as first and second inserts 424a, 424b, within the mouthpiece portion 430. For example, as shown, the first insert 424a can be positioned in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and farther from the cartridge proximal end 420a along the length of the cartridge 420), and the second insert 424b can be positioned in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and farther from the cartridge distal end 420b along the length of the cartridge 420).

[0284] The first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b can be channels within the first insert 424a, and the second insert 424b can be positioned downstream of the airflow outlet channel 426. The second insert 424b can be stacked on top of the first insert 424a along the length of the cartridge 420 in a direction from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second inserts 424a, 424b can also be held together to form the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., held within a layer of material, wrapped together within the covering 422, etc.) and can include an additional layer of material (e.g., the covering 422) that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 together with the heater portion 441.

[0285] In some embodiments, the second insert 424b may include an air-permeable material so that the aerosol can exit the mouthpiece portion 430 and be inhaled by the user, but may provide additional filtration (e.g., active filtration to remove constituent portions of the aerosol). The second insert 424b may include a material such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, a heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, etc. The vaporizer device 400, 400f may include at least some of the same components as the vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as the vaporizer device 400a. Separately, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400f identified and discussed herein can be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4E and / or 4G-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0286] As shown in vaporizer device 400g of FIG. 4G, other embodiments exist in which insert(s) 424 occupy a smaller percentage of the volume within mouthpiece portion 430, and / or other components are used instead. For example, one or more inserts 424 can be positioned in an upper region of mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to cartridge proximal end 420a and farther from cartridge distal end 420b along the length of cartridge 420), and divider 454 can be positioned in a lower region of mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to cartridge distal end 420b and farther from cartridge proximal end 420a along the length of cartridge 420). As described herein, divider 454 can be considered part of mouthpiece portion 430 or part of a separate divider portion. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the divider can be disposed within the receptacle 418 when the cartridge 420 is inserted into the vaporizer body 410, and / or at least a portion of the divider can be disposed outside the receptacle 418 when the cartridge 420 is inserted into the vaporizer body 410. As shown, one or more walls 433 can be provided within the mouthpiece portion 430 to maintain rigidity of the mouthpiece portion 430, such that the mouthpiece portion is resistant to deformation (e.g., crumpling, breaking, etc.) when subjected to force and / or is easier to manufacture. As shown, the wall(s) 433 can extend along the length of the cartridge 420 between the insert 424 and the divider 454 (e.g., in a region downstream of the divider 454 and upstream of the insert(s) 424). Wall(s) 433 define at least a portion of the perimeter of airflow outlet channel 426, and in some embodiments, wall(s) 433 define substantially all of the perimeter of airflow outlet channel 426. In some embodiments, airflow outlet channel 426 is formed between and / or defined by wall(s) 433 and insert(s) 424, and may optionally be defined by divider 454 in embodiments in which wall(s) 433 form a hollow shape (e.g., a hollow flat cylinder).

[0287] In some embodiments, the divider 454 may include a solid end, define an open end opposite the solid end, and include a solid boundary extending between the two ends (e.g., along the perimeter of the divider 454), where the perimeter may be substantially the same at the solid end and the open end. As shown, the divider 454 may be disposed within the mouthpiece portion 430, with the solid end closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and the open end closer to the cartridge distal end 420b, facing the heater chamber within the heater portion 441. In some embodiments, the divider 454 may be considered to have an inverted cup shape (with the cartridge distal end 420b considered to be the ground). Multiple vapor inlets 435 may be formed through the solid end of the divider 454 to allow vaporized material and ambient air from the heater chamber to enter the airflow outlet chamber 426.

[0288] In some embodiments, the wall 433 may similarly include a solid end, define an open end opposite the solid end, and include a solid boundary extending between the two ends (e.g., along the perimeter of the wall 433), where the perimeter may be substantially the same at the solid end and the open end. As shown, the partition 454 may be disposed within the mouthpiece portion 430, with the open end closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and the closed end closer to the cartridge distal end 420b. In some embodiments, the wall 433 may be considered to have a cup shape. A plurality of bypass air inlets 429 may be formed through the solid boundary of the wall 433 to allow ambient air to enter the airflow outlet chamber 426. Additionally, a plurality of vapor inlets 435 may be formed through the solid end of the wall 433, such that vaporized material and ambient air can more quickly enter the airflow outlet chamber 426 from the heater chamber through the vapor inlets 435 of the partition 454.

[0289] In some embodiments, the solid end of wall 433 can abut (e.g., physically contact and / or be in close proximity to) the solid end of partition 454, which can help simplify the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, steam inlet 435 and bypass air inlet 429 formed in partition 454 and wall 433 can be sized to create a jet stream effect. For example, in some embodiments, steam inlet 435 and bypass air inlet 429 can each be a circular hole less than 1 mm in diameter, less than 0.5 mm in diameter, or less than 0.25 mm in diameter. In some embodiments, steam inlet 435 and bypass air inlet 429 are each the same size. However, in other embodiments, steam inlet 435 is larger than bypass outlet 427, so that the jet stream effect from the ambient air has a stronger effect on the slower-moving air passing through steam inlet 435. Steam inlet 435 and bypass air inlet 429 can be formed by a laser cutting operation during the manufacturing process.

[0290] In certain embodiments, divider 454 may extend from the distal end of mouthpiece portion 430 and couple to, be inserted into, and / or contact the exterior of heater portion 441. According to these embodiments, divider 454 may be considered only a portion of mouthpiece portion 430, may be considered a portion of both mouthpiece portion 430 and heater portion 441, or may be considered an intermediate portion disposed between mouthpiece portion 430 and heater portion 441. For example, in one embodiment, insert(s) 424, wall(s) 433, and divider 454 can all be held together (e.g., wrapped around) within a first layer of material (e.g., covering 422) to form mouthpiece portion 430, heating element(s) 442 can be disposed around vaporizable material 402 to form heater portion 441, and an additional layer of material (e.g., covering 422) can hold mouthpiece portion 430 and heater portion 441 together to form cartridge 420.

[0291] Insert 424 may include an air-permeable material so that aerosol can exit mouthpiece portion 430 and be inhaled by the user, but may provide additional filtration (e.g., active filtration to remove constituent portions of the aerosol). Insert 424 may include materials such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, a heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and the like.

[0292] Vaporizer device 400, 400g may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400g identified and discussed herein may be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4F and / or 4H-4Q, except where stated or not practical.

[0293] As shown in vaporizer device 400h of FIG. 4H , other embodiments exist in which one or more insert(s) 424 can be disposed within heater portion 441. For example, one or more first inserts 424a can be disposed in a lower region of heater portion 441 (e.g., adjacent to and / or forming at least a portion of cartridge distal end 420b). First insert(s) 424a can include a material that is air permeable to allow air to pass through the material and enter the heater chamber, such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and the like.

[0294] In some embodiments, an end cap may instead be located in place of the first insert(s) 424a and may comprise one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 4A ). As disclosed above, an end cap can refer to at least one of various materials and / or elements positioned adjacent to the side of the vaporizable material and / or the container for containing the vaporizable material within any embodiment of the cartridge disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the end cap can be positioned at the end of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the end cap can be positioned offset from the end of the cartridge (e.g., along the length of the cartridge), including not being the most distal or proximal element along the cartridge embodiment. For example, the end cap can form a portion of the exterior surface of the cartridge and / or the end cap can be completely contained within the exterior surface of the cartridge. Vaporizer device 400, 400h can include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B , except where noted, and can otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as vaporizer device 400a. Alternatively, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400h identified and described herein may be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4G and / or 4I-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0295] Other embodiments exist in which multiple bypass air inlets 429 are offset from one another to create turbulent airflow, such as that shown in the vaporizer device 400i of FIG. 4I. As described herein, the cartridge 420 can include one or more airflow outlet channels 426 that are in fluid communication with ambient air through at least one bypass air inlet 429 formed on each of the long sides of the cartridge 420. As shown, the cartridge 420 can include first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b, each having its own respective set of first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b on a first long side of the cartridge 420. As shown, each subsequent bypass air inlet 429 can be offset from the previous bypass air inlet 429 (on the exterior surface of the cartridge 420) along the length and / or width of the cartridge 420 in the direction of cartridge airflow. Stated another way, as the ambient air and vapor pass through each airflow outlet channel 426, they may be joined and / or separated by a series of ambient airflows that are sequentially offset from one another by angles formed between the length of the cartridge 420 and the width of the cartridge 420 (e.g., between 50 degrees and 40 degrees, between 60 degrees and 30 degrees, between 70 degrees and 20 degrees, between 80 degrees and 10 degrees, etc., other than 90 degrees). It will be appreciated that such placement of the bypass air inlet 429 can introduce turbulence within the cartridge airflow path and / or within one or more condensation chambers, which can promote cooling and / or condensation of the vapor into an inhalable aerosol.

[0296] A matching set of bypass air inlets 429 may be present on the second long side of the cartridge 402 (not shown), although other patterns may be present between the first and second sides of the cartridge 420. For example, one side of the cartridge may include the three bypass air inlets 429 shown, while the other side of the cartridge may include only two bypass air inlets 429 staggered and / or positioned in the spaces between the three bypass air inlets 429 shown offset along the depth of the cartridge 420, or four similarly offset bypass air inlets 429. In other embodiments, the number of bypass air inlets 429 on each side may be the same, and the patterns may be the same or different. For example, while subsequent bypass air inlets (along the direction of cartridge airflow) of a set of first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b are shown alternating between those closer to the center of the long side and those further from the center of the long side (but still bounded by the location of the respective first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b), the pattern of opposite bypass air inlets 429 can alternate between those further from the center of the long side and those closer to the center of the long side. In some embodiments, the two sets of bypass air inlets 429 can function independently (e.g., have little or no effect on the airflow outlet channels 426 with which they are fluidly connected).

[0297] As described above, smaller individual airflow outlet channels 426 provide fluid volumes that can be more easily controlled while exposing a larger overall volume of vapor to the ambient air. As described herein, the ability to introduce a large amount of turbulence into the airflow outlet channels 426 may be one embodiment of such control. Nevertheless, the geometry and / or location of the bypass air inlets 429 may be implemented to still increase turbulence within the single larger airflow outlet channel 426. As described herein, each of the rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438 partially defined by the bypass air inlets 429 may be replaced with more and / or differently sized rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438, multiple circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, and / or other shapes. Vaporizer device 400, 400i may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400i identified and discussed herein can be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4H and / or 4J-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0298] As shown in the vaporizer device 400j of FIG. 4J, other embodiments exist in which the vaporizable material 402 can have a different geometric shape. For example, in some embodiments, a space may be provided between the vaporizable material 402 and the mouthpiece portion 430, such as within the proximal end of the heater portion 441. Additionally or alternatively, the vaporizable material 402 can include multiple cartridge inlets 425, such as at the cartridge distal end 420a. The vaporizer device 400, 400j can include at least some of the same components as the vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B, except where noted, and can otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Alternatively, the components of the vaporizer device 400, 400j identified and described herein can be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4I and / or 4K-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0299] Other embodiments exist in which additional structure may be present within and / or between the heater portion 441 and / or mouthpiece portion 430, such as that shown in vaporizer device 400k in FIG. 4K. As shown in FIG. 4K, cartridge 420 may further include a partition 454 with multiple bypass air inlets 429. Divider 454 may be implemented as a ring- or donut-shaped component, which may include a cross-section that takes the form of the cross-section of the cartridge (e.g., elliptical or oval). In certain embodiments, the interior space formed by partition 454 may be generally hollow. To prevent vaporizable material 402 from entering partition 454, which may block one or more of bypass air inlet(s) 429, partition 454 may include one or more standoffs that at least partially close off bypass air inlet(s) 429 from the upstream end of cartridge 420 (e.g., cartridge distal end 420b), while leaving bypass air inlet(s) 429 open to the downstream end of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge proximal end 420a). In certain embodiments, partition 454 may include a solid or partially solid end (e.g., a floor) at the upstream end of partition 454. For example, partition 454 may include a grate, mesh material, or the like at the upstream end of partition 454. The advantages of such an embodiment may be similar to those of FIG. 4E discussed herein, with the added advantage that multiple different airflow outlet channels 426 do not need to be created within the same insert 424 or some combination of two or more different inserts 424. Alternatively, the divider 454, along with the heater portion 441 and the mouthpiece portion 430, may be held (e.g., wrapped or inserted) within a layer of material (e.g., the covering material 422) through which the bypass air inlet(s) 429 are created (e.g., by laser cutting, molding, pre-formed holes, etc., as described herein) and implemented as a simpler component.

[0300] Vaporizer device 400, 400k may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as vaporizer device 400a. Alternatively, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400k identified and described herein may be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4J and / or 4L-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0301] Other embodiments exist in which additional or alternative structures may be present in the mouthpiece portion 430 to increase the distance the air must travel before reaching the airflow outlet(s) 428, such as that shown in the vaporizer device 4001 of FIG. 4L. For example, as shown, the mouthpiece portion 430 may include multiple baffles 455 that divert airflow within the airflow outlet channel 426. In certain embodiments, the baffles 455 may extend across a majority of the width of the cartridge 420, covering one end of the width of the cartridge 420 and leaving an open space at the opposite end of the width of the cartridge 420. Each subsequent baffle 455 may be positioned to leave an open space at a different end along the direction of the cartridge airflow path than the immediately preceding baffle 455. For example, if a first baffle 455 is positioned to leave an open space on a first side (e.g., a first short side) of the cartridge 420, a subsequent second baffle 455 can be positioned to leave an open space on a second side (e.g., a second short side opposite the first short side along the width of the cartridge 420) of the cartridge 420, and this alternating pattern can continue for each subsequent baffle 455. In various embodiments, the cartridge 420 can include one baffle 455, two baffles 455 (see FIG. 4M), three baffles 455, four baffles 455 (see FIG. 4L), five baffles 455 (see FIG. 6F), etc. The open spaces can form part of an airflow path along which outside air and vapor may travel, providing an airflow path having a longer overall distance compared to an airflow path that travels linearly along the length of the cartridge 420 and through the mouthpiece portion. Additionally, multiple changes in the direction of the airflow path can help introduce turbulence to promote mixing and provide longer and / or more tortuous airflow paths to increase cooling times and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0302] In certain embodiments, the airflow outlet channel 426 can include a larger open volume (e.g., a condensation chamber) downstream of the baffle 455 and upstream of the airflow outlet(s) 428 (e.g., proximal to the cartridge proximal end 420a), such as that illustrated in the vaporizer device 400m in FIG. 4M. Including a larger open volume can promote the generation of a more homogeneous aerosol and / or increase the residence time that the vapor and air spend within the airflow outlet channel 426, helping to cool the resulting aerosol to a lower temperature and promoting proper aerosol formation. Additionally, the size transition between the smaller and larger portions of the airflow outlet channel 426 can help introduce turbulence and promote mixing, provide a longer and / or more tortuous airflow path, increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0303] Vaporizer devices 400, 400l, 400m may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B, unless otherwise noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of vaporizer devices 400, 400l, 400m identified and discussed herein may be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4K and / or 4N-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0304] As shown in vaporizer device 400n of FIG. 4N, other embodiments exist in which one or more heating element(s) 442 can have different shapes. For example, the material forming one or more heating elements 442 can further extend to enclose and / or form at least a portion of cartridge distal end 420b. Such a configuration can help retain vaporizable material 402 within cartridge 420. According to such embodiments, one or more heating elements 442 can include multiple cartridge inlets 425 to allow ambient air (i.e., outside cartridge 420, such as air within receptacle 418) to enter a heater chamber at least partially formed by heating element(s) 442. The multiple cartridge inlets 425 can be through-holes formed in the longitudinal direction of cartridge 420. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple cartridge inlets 425 may be through holes formed through the heating element 442 in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the cartridge 420, such as around the periphery of one or more heating elements 442 and / or adjacent the cartridge distal end 420b, as indicated by the dashed boxes.

[0305] As shown, the bottom of the heating element(s) 442 forming and / or adjacent to the cartridge distal end 420b can include multiple cartridge inlets 425 configured to allow ambient air to enter heater chambers within the heating element(s) 442. As shown, the heating elements 442 can heat the vaporizable material from a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the cartridge 420 and from a direction generally parallel to the length of the cartridge 420. The vaporizer devices 400, 400n can include at least some of the same components as the vaporizer device 400a of FIGS. 4A-4B, except where noted, and can otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as the vaporizer device 400a. Alternatively, the components of the vaporizer devices 400, 400n identified and described herein can be combined with any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4M and / or 4O-4Q, except where noted or not practical.

[0306] As shown in the vaporizer device 400o of FIG. 4O, other embodiments exist in which the cartridge 420 can be heated externally by conduction and / or convection heat. For example, rather than a heater portion 441 of the cartridge including heating element(s) 442, the heater portion 441 can instead include a container 423 configured to hold the vaporizable material 402. The container 423 can take the form (e.g., material and / or shape) of any of the heating elements described herein, but instead is configured to receive heat from one or more external heating elements 442 (e.g., configured to heat the exterior of the cartridge 420, such as within the receptacle 418, or the receptacle 418 itself) and redistribute the heat to the vaporizable material 402 rather than independently generating heat (e.g., by induction heating). As shown, the bottom of the container 423 forming and / or adjacent to the cartridge distal end 420b can include multiple cartridge inlets 425 configured to allow ambient air to enter the heater chamber within the container 423. As shown, the heating element 442 can heat the container 423 from a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the cartridge 420. However, other embodiments exist in which the heating element 442 heats the container 423 from a direction generally parallel to the length of the cartridge 420, as shown in vaporizer device 400p of FIG.

[0307] Vaporizer devices 400, 400o, 400p may include at least some of the same components as vaporizer device 400a of Figures 4A-4B, except where noted, and may otherwise operate in the same or similar manner. Separately, the components of vaporizer devices 400, 400o, 400p identified and discussed herein may be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to Figures 4A-4N, except where stated or not practical.

[0308] To control the thermal efficiency of the vaporizer devices described herein, it may be beneficial to provide an air gap between the portion of the cartridge 420 and the receptacle 418 in which the cartridge is received while the cartridge 420 remains secured within the receptacle 418. For example, FIGS. 16A and 16B show cross-sectional views of cartridges 1620 and a vaporizer body 1610 for use in a vaporizer device. As shown, each of the cartridges 1620 includes a heating element 1642, and the vaporizer body 1610 includes airflow inlet(s) 1634, airflow inlet path(s) 1632, ridges 1646, inductors 1643, magnetic flux concentrators 1648, and a frame 1647, which may be implemented similarly to the corresponding components of the vaporizer device 400 of FIGS. 4A-4Q. As can be seen by comparing the temperature gradient of the heating element 1642 in FIGS. 16A and 16B, having components of the vaporizer body 1610 closer to the heating element 1642 can reduce the thermal efficiency of the system. This is due in part to heat loss to components of the vaporizer body 1610, such as the frame 1647. Therefore, in some embodiments, an air gap can be provided between the heating element 1642 and other components of the vaporizer body 1610, such as the inner periphery of the receptacle 1618. As shown in FIG. 16B, ridges 1646 can be provided to secure portions of the cartridge 1620 other than the heating element 1642, such as a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1620 and / or an end cap in a heater portion of the cartridge 1620 (which does not contain the heating element 1642). In some embodiments, the air gap is defined in part by the distance between the exterior of the cartridge 1620 proximate the heating element 1642 and the inner wall of the receptacle 1618. For example, this length may be approximately ½ to ⅓ of the depth of the cartridge 1620 .

[0309] 5A-5J show different schematics and views of various embodiments of holder assemblies 558, 558a-d consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. These holders 558, 558a-d may be embodiments of one or more components of vaporizer body 110 of FIGS. 1A-1B, vaporizer body 210 of FIG. 2, and / or vaporizer body 410 of FIGS. 4A-4Q, such as holder assembly 458.

[0310] As shown in FIG. 5A , the holder assembly 558, 558a can include a frame 547 that defines a receptacle 518 for insertion of a cartridge. The frame 547 can include two long sides and two short sides, similar to the cartridges described herein. For example, when a cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle 518, the long sides of the frame 547 can be configured to align with the long sides of the cartridge, and the short sides of the frame 547 can be configured to align with the short sides of the cartridge. As disclosed above, a surface of a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220) that extends primarily along the cartridge width can be referred to as the long sides of the cartridge and / or can be on the long sides of the cartridge that can align with the long sides of the frame 547. Additionally, a surface of a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220) that extends primarily along the cartridge depth can be referred to as the short sides of the cartridge and / or can be on the short sides of the cartridge 220 that can align with the short sides of the frame 547. It will be understood that this term can apply to any embodiment of the cartridge (including its subcomponents described herein) and frame 547, and that this term will not be redefined for each embodiment for the sake of brevity. As shown, the frame 547 can include an inductor 543 formed as a spiral coil on the long side of the frame 547. The inductor 543 coil, illustrated and / or described herein as a spiral coil, can take the form of a parallel or anti-parallel pancake or Helmholtz configuration, although other configurations are also contemplated. An electrical lead 544a supplying power to the inductor 543 can be disposed on the short side of the frame. The electrical lead 544a supplying power to the inductor 543 can be electrically coupled to a controller and / or driver circuit for supplying power to the inductor 543, as described herein. As described herein, the inductor 543 can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for generating heat within a heating element of the cartridge, which can take the form of a susceptor.

[0311] As described herein, it may be desirable to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of a heating element for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the heating element, such as based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element. Various circuits can be provided to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of a heating element, such as the sensing coil 513. In certain embodiments, the sensing coil 513 can be disposed within the open center region 562 of the inductor 543 and / or on a long side of the frame 547, as shown in FIG. 5A . In such embodiments, the sensing coil 513 can be in the form of a helical coil. As shown, an electrical lead 544b supplying power to the sensing coil 513 can be disposed at the distal end 561 of the frame 547. In certain embodiments, the sensing coil 513 shown and described can be an inductor 543 configured to generate an electromagnetic field for generating heat within a heating element (e.g., a susceptor) of the cartridge. According to these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the inductors 543 may be configured to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element as described herein.

[0312] In some embodiments, the central open center region 562 of the inductor 543 can be increased in size, which can lead to increased efficiency in delivering energy to the heating element of the cartridge in the receptacle 518. For example, in a circular area defined by a radius extending from the center of the inductor 543 to the outermost turn of the inductor 543, the open center region 562, where no turns of the inductor 543 are present, can occupy 20-50% of the surface area of ​​the circular area. In some embodiments, the open center region 562 can occupy 30-40% of the circular area. In some embodiments, having a larger open center region 562 can lead to increased efficiency in delivering energy from the inductor 543 to the heated heating element via a magnetic or electromagnetic field. In embodiments in which the sense coil 513 shown and described is additionally or alternatively configured as an inductor 543, a collective set of inductors 543 can be configured to heat separate regions of the heating element. For example, a first region of the heating element adjacent the illustrated sensing coil 513 can be heated independently from a second region of the heating element adjacent the illustrated inductor 543. In this manner, greater control over aerosol generation can be provided over the life of the cartridge.

[0313] As shown in FIGS. 5B-5D , the sensing coil 513 can be positioned within a region near the proximal end 560 of the frame 547. The sensing coil 513 can be wrapped multiple times around the frame 547 so that the sensing coil 513 can measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element. Within this region, the sensing coil 513 can still be positioned sufficiently close to the cartridge's heating element and can be configured to extend to or close to the opening of the receptacle 518 when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle 518. According to these embodiments, the inductor 543 may not include the open center region 562. Other locations and / or configurations of the sensing coil 513 are contemplated, including selectively powering down one or more of the inductors 543 and using the inductors 543 as sensing coils, without the presence of a separate sensing coil 513, as described herein (e.g., see FIG. 5I ). Alternatively, the sensing coil 513 shown and described may be an inductor 543 configured to generate an electromagnetic field to generate heat within a heating element (e.g., a susceptor) of the cartridge. According to these embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) of the inductors 543 may be configured to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element, as described herein.

[0314] As shown in FIG. 5C , the long side of the frame 547 can include multiple inductors 543a-d, which can be in the form of spiral coils, each with its own independent set of electrical leads 544a-d that can be coupled to a controller and / or drive circuit. As described herein, each of the multiple inductors 543a-d can be independently powered off and on to selectively heat different regions of the heating element. For example, all of the inductors 543a-d can be powered simultaneously with the same amount of power, all or some of the inductors 543a-d can be powered simultaneously with different amounts of power, and / or only some of the inductors 543a-d can be powered simultaneously with the same or different amounts of power.

[0315] Although one set of four inductors 543a-d is shown and additional sets of inductors on opposing long sides are described, other numbers of inductors 534 are contemplated. For example, a set of two inductors 543 on each of opposing long sides is contemplated, which may be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal dimension or transversely to the longitudinal dimension. Separate sets of three, five, six, or more inductors 543 are contemplated, and it is not required that the same number of inductors 543 be implemented on each long side. Other embodiments exist in which the inductor(s) 543 do not take the form of a helical coil, such as the inductor 543 of FIG. 5D , wrapped multiple times around the short and long sides of the frame 547. In some embodiments, multiple inductors 543 may be arranged in series along the frame 547 (e.g., between the proximal end 560 and distal end 561 of the frame 547), such as two, three, or more inductors 543. For example, the multiple inductors 543 may be formed as a solenoid coil with a space along the frame 547 between each inductor 543 .

[0316] In some embodiments, the long and short sides of the frame 547 shown can be the same as or similar to the long and / or short sides of the frame 547 not shown. For example, the long side of the frame 547 not shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can also include an inductor 543, such that the receptacle 518 is between two opposing inductors 543. Such a configuration can provide benefits such as by heating a larger surface area of ​​the heating element where it is easier to generate eddy currents using less energy. The long side of the frame 547 not shown in FIG. 5C can likewise include multiple inductors 543, thereby providing more control over how and where heat is generated.

[0317] In some embodiments, the various configurations and locations of the inductor 543 and / or sensing coil 513 (additionally or alternatively configured as inductors) shown and described in Figures 5A-5D may be at least partially combined. For example, in some embodiments, the illustrated inductor 543 in Figure 5B may be replaced with the illustrated inductor 543 and sensing coil 513 in Figure 5A (on both opposing long sides of the frame 547). Additionally or alternatively, the sensing coil 513 shown in Figure 5B may be implemented at each of the proximal and distal ends of the frame 547 (and each may be implemented as a sensing coil and / or inductor). Thus, separate regions of the heating element adjacent the illustrated inductor 543 and / or sensing coil 513 may be independently heated, as described herein, to provide greater control over aerosol generation. While the ability to heat the heating element in many independent regions is desirable, it will be appreciated that embodiments with more inductors 543 and / or sensing coils 513 will be more expensive and more complex (e.g., to properly account for mutual inductance).

[0318] In various embodiments, the shape and / or structure of the inductors 543 can be varied to increase and / or adjust their efficiency based on, for example, their coupling efficiency with the heating element of the cartridge in the receptacle 518. For example, one or more of the inductors 543 can include a varying number of coil cross-sections, shapes, strand counts, strand gauges, etc. The coils can also be bent to have the same overall curvature as the heating element to improve performance, or can be straight (e.g., along the cartridge width) to limit the coupling efficiency to a certain degree. In certain embodiments, flex-based coils can be used to reduce manufacturing costs of the device and consumables, such as by requiring only a relatively thin layer of aluminum.

[0319] In some embodiments, a cartridge for use with a holder assembly 558 including multiple inductors 543 can include regions having different magnetic susceptibilities. For example, the cartridge can be manufactured to include different materials and / or thicknesses in certain regions depending on the intended proximity of each region to the inductors 543. In some embodiments, the cartridge can be manufactured to include a first material and / or a first thickness of material in a first region (or set of first regions) located at or near a first inductor 543 (or set of first inductors 543), and a second material and / or a second thickness of material in a second region (or set of second regions) located away from the first inductor 543 (or set of first inductors 543). In some embodiments, when multiple inductors 543 are used, regions of the cartridge between the set of first regions can include the second region(s).

[0320] As shown in FIG. 5E , a heating element 542 forming part of a cartridge containing a vaporizable material can be sized and configured to fit within a receptacle 518 of a holder assembly 558e. As described herein, the heating element 542 can be configured as a susceptor that is electromagnetically coupled with one or more inductor coils. Within the receptacle 518 can be a plurality of ridges 546 configured to retain the cartridge, thereby retaining the heating element 542 within the receptacle 518. The holder assembly 558e can include a ledge 590 that at least partially defines an opening to the receptacle 518. The ledge 590 can include features, such as a chamfered edge, that facilitate placement of the cartridge within the receptacle 518. When the holder assembly 558e is within the fully assembled vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610, the ledge 590 of the holder assembly 558e can form at least a portion of the proximal end (e.g., ledge 121, 221) of the vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610, or the ledge 590 of the holder assembly 558e can be recessed from the proximal end of the vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610.

[0321] 5E-5G taken along cross section BB of FIG. 5F, the holder assembly 558 can include a pair of inductors 543 a, 543 b on a long side of the frame 547, each having a corresponding magnetic flux concentrator 548 a, 548 b positioned against an outer surface of the inductor 543. That is, each of the pair of inductors 543 a, 543 b can be positioned (e.g., sandwiched) between the corresponding magnetic flux concentrator 548 a, 548 b and the long side of the frame 547. As described herein, each of the magnetic flux concentrators 548 can be configured to direct the electromagnetic field generated by each of the inductors 543 toward one or more heating elements 542 when the one or more heating elements 542 are positioned within the receptacle to more intensively generate heat. That is, the electromagnetic field generated by each of the inductors 543 that would otherwise be directed outward in the direction of the receptacle 518 is instead directed toward the receptacle 518, further optimizing the heating process and / or requiring less energy to operate.

[0322] For example, as shown in FIG. 5H , multiple ridges 546 can be disposed around the inner circumference of the receptacle 518. As shown in FIGS. 5I and 5J , taken along cross section CC of FIG. 5H , the ridges 546 can take different forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 5I , one or more of the ridges 546 can be formed in a bar shape extending along the longitudinal dimension of the receptacle 518, such as between the proximal and distal ends of the receptacle 518. In certain embodiments, a sensing circuit 513 can be included on a surface of at least one of the ridges 546. Such sensing circuit 513 can be configured to physically contact the heating element 542 to measure the resistance of the heating element 542 at any time. As illustrated in FIG. 5J , one or more of the ridges 546 can be separated into two portions, such as a portion proximate the distal end and another portion proximate the proximal end of the receptacle. To minimize potential damage to the cartridge and / or heating element 542, the ridges 546 may include angled surfaces to better guide the cartridge into the receptacle 518. In some embodiments, each of the different forms of ridges 546 described with respect to Figures 5I-5J may be implemented within the same receptacle.

[0323] Other configurations of inductors 543 and holder assemblies 558, such as the inductors and / or holder assemblies illustrated in Figures 11A-11I, 12A-12E, and 13A-13G, are also contemplated. For example, Figures 11A-11C show perspective views of various configurations of cartridge 1120 and inductors 1143a, 1143b (collectively referred to as inductor(s) 1143) for use in a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in Figure 11A, the center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be located at or near a respective short side of cartridge 1120 when cartridge 1120 is inserted, and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be in the shape of a C-shaped or rectangular coil. A C-shaped coil can refer to an inductor 1143a, 1143b having two opposing ends shaped like the letter "C" and substantially parallel edges between the opposing ends. An oval coil can refer to an inductor 1143a, 1143b having a generally rectangular shape with two opposing rounded ends. The opposing ends of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be defined by the location of the outermost turns of wire defining the inductor 1143a, 1143b. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be considered as a point or line that is centered in the length, width, and / or depth of the inductor 1143a, 1143b, such as from the perspective of the inductor 1143a, 1143b when flattened. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be positioned proximate to the center (e.g., the center point along the length or cross-section of the heating element 1142) of the cartridge 1120 on each short side of the heating element 1142 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158a that defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, with the heating element 1142 being positioned substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.

[0324] 11B, the center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can instead be configured to be located at or near a separate respective long side of the cartridge 1120 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted, and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be in the shape of a flattened circular, elliptical, C-shaped, or oblong coil. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be located proximate to the center (e.g., a center point along the length or cross-section of the heating element 1142) of the cartridge 1120 on each long side of the heating element 1142 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158b that defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, with the heating element 1142 being disposed substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.

[0325] 11C, the center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can instead be configured to be located on or near the same short side of the cartridge 1120 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted, and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be in the shape of a C-shaped or oval coil. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be located away from the center of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge 1120 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., a center point or cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142) when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. For example, the heating element 1142 can be considered to have two sections divided by a cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142 (e.g., a cross-section at the center of the length of the heating element 1142), with an upper section that is closer to the mouthpiece of the cartridge 1120 and / or higher along the length when the cartridge 1120 is placed on a flat surface with the heating element 1142 close to the flat surface, and a lower section that is farther from the mouthpiece of the cartridge 1120 and / or lower along the length when the cartridge 1120 is placed on a flat surface with the heating element 1142 close to the flat surface. Thus, when the cartridge 1120 is inserted, the center of the first inductor 1143a can be configured to be positioned proximate to the center of the top section of the heating element 1142 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., a center point or cross section along the length of the top section of the heating element 1142), and the center of the second inductor 1143b can be configured to be positioned proximate to the center of the bottom section of the heating element 1142 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., a center point or cross section along the length of the bottom section of the heating element 1142). The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158c that defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, the heating element 1142 being disposed substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.In an alternative embodiment, the inductors 1143a, 1143b may instead be configured to be positioned adjacent to the centers of the top and bottom sections of the heating element 1142 on the long sides of the heating element 1142 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted (e.g., the center points or cross sections along the respective heights of the top and bottom sections of the heating element 1142).

[0326] As described herein with respect to at least Figures 12A-12E and 13A-13G, more or fewer inductors 1143a, 1143b can be present and / or positioned in different locations relative to the locations illustrated in Figures 11A-11C. Although not shown, one or more magnetic flux concentrators can be configured to direct the electromagnetic fields of each of the inductors 1143a, 1143b toward the heating element 1142, similar to magnetic flux concentrators 448, 548 described herein.

[0327] 11D-11I show perspective views of additional various configurations of inductors 1143 for use in a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 11D, the centers of each of the two inductors 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be located at or near a respective short side of the cartridge heating element 1142 when the heating element 1142 is inserted into the receptacle of the holder assembly 1158d. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be considered a point or line that is centered in the length, width, and / or depth of the inductor 1143a, 1143b, such as from the perspective of the inductors 1143a, 1143b when flattened. Each inductor 1143a, 1143b can optionally be in the shape of a C-shaped or oval coil. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b may be configured to be positioned proximate to the center of the heating element 1142 (e.g., the center point or cross section along the length of the heating element 1142) on each short side of the heating element 1142 when the heating element 1142 is inserted into the holder assembly 1158d.

[0328] As shown, each of the inductors 1143a, 1143b can include an open center region 1162 at the center of the respective inductor 1143a, 1143b. In certain embodiments, the open center region 1162 at the center of the inductors 1143a, 1143b can increase efficiency in delivering energy to the heating element 1142. For example, the open center region 1162 can occupy an area that is 15-50% or 20-40% of the total surface area of ​​the inductors 1143a, 1143b, where the total surface area of ​​the inductors 1143a, 1143b is defined by the area defined by the outermost turns of wire defining the inductors 1143a, 1143b and includes the area of ​​the open center region 1162. In certain embodiments, having a larger open center region 1162 can increase efficiency in delivering energy from the inductors 1143a, 1143b to the heating element 1142. The size and shape of the open central region 1162 may depend on the size and shape of the respective inductors 1143a, 1143b. For example, the open central region 1162 may be C-shaped or oval based on the C-shaped or oval shape of the inductors 1143a, 1143b.

[0329] As shown, one or more magnetic flux concentrators 1148 can be disposed proximate to and external to the inductors 1143a, 1143b (e.g., between the inductors 1143a, 1143b and the outer shell of the vaporizer body containing the inductors 1143a, 1143b and the one or more magnetic flux concentrators 1148). The one or more magnetic flux concentrators can be configured to direct the electromagnetic fields of each of the inductors 1143a, 1143b toward the heating element 1142, similar to the magnetic flux concentrators 448, 548 described herein. As shown, separate magnetic flux concentrators 1148 can be disposed proximate to each respective inductor 1143a, 1143b and separated by a gap between the magnetic flux concentrators 1148 proximate a long side of the holder assembly 1158d. However, in some embodiments, a single magnetic flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed substantially around the periphery of the holder assembly 1158d. The holder assembly 1158d can include or be in proximity to the inductors 1143a, 1143b and the magnetic flux concentrator(s) 1148. The holder assembly 1158d can define a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the heating element 1142.

[0330] As shown, the first inductor 1143a can be electrically coupled to a first electrical lead 1144a configured to provide power to the first inductor 1143a, and the second inductor 1143b can be electrically coupled to a second electrical lead 1144b configured to provide power to the second inductor 1143b. The electrical leads 1144a, 1144b can be electrically coupled to a controller and / or driver circuit for providing power to the respective inductors 1143a, 1143b, as described herein.

[0331] As shown, in Figure 11E, the first inductor 1143a described with respect to Figure 11D can be replaced with the first inductor 1143a and the third inductor 1143c, and the second inductor 1143b described with respect to Figure 11D can be replaced with the second inductor 1143b and the fourth inductor 1143d. The inductors 1143a-1143d (collectively referred to as inductor(s) 1143) can be disposed on, within, or adjacent to the holder assembly 1158e. Each of the inductors 1143a-1143d can be electrically coupled to its own electrical lead 1144a-1144d, respectively. If two magnetic flux concentrators 1148 are included, the first magnetic flux concentrator 1148 can be positioned externally in proximity to the first and third inductors 1143 a, 1143 c, and the second magnetic flux concentrator 1148 can be positioned externally in proximity to the second and fourth inductors 1143 b, 1143 d. The embodiment of Figure 11E can otherwise be the same as or similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 11D.

[0332] As shown in Figure 11F, the centers of each of the two inductors 1143a, 1143b described with respect to Figure 11D can instead be configured to be located at or near a respective separate long side of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge (not shown) when the heating element 1142 is inserted into the receptacle of the holder assembly 1158f. The embodiment of Figure 11F can otherwise be the same as or similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 11D.

[0333] As shown, in Figure 11G, the first inductor 1143a described with respect to Figure 11F can be replaced with the first inductor 1143a and the third inductor 1143c, and the second inductor 1143b described with respect to Figure 11F can be replaced with the second inductor 1143b and the fourth inductor 1143d. The inductors 1143a-1143d can be disposed on, within, or adjacent to the holder assembly 1158g. Each of the inductors 1143a-1143d can be electrically coupled to its own electrical lead 1144a-1144d, respectively. If two magnetic flux concentrators 1148 are included, the first magnetic flux concentrator 1148 can be positioned externally in proximity to the first and third inductors 1143 a, 1143 c, and the second magnetic flux concentrator 1148 can be positioned externally in proximity to the second and fourth inductors 1143 b, 1143 d. The embodiment of Figure 11G may otherwise be the same as or similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 11F (and thereby Figure 11D).

[0334] As shown in FIG. 11H, the heating element 1142 and its respective cartridge can be formed to have a cylindrical shape (along the length of the cartridge). Thus, the heating element 1142 may not be considered to have a long side and a short side. Thus, the three inductors 1143a, 1143b, and 1143c can be configured to be positioned around or near the heating element 1142 of the cartridge when the heating element 1142 is inserted into the receptacle of the holder assembly 1158h. In one embodiment, each of the three inductors 1143a, 1143b, and 1143c are equally spaced from one another around the periphery of the holder assembly 1158h. Each of the inductors 1143a-1143c can be electrically coupled to its own electrical lead 1144a-1144c, respectively. Three magnetic flux concentrators 1148 may be included, with each magnetic flux concentrator 1148 disposed proximate to and external to a respective inductor 1143 a, 1143 b, 1143 c. In certain embodiments, there may be other numbers of inductors 1143, such as two inductors 1143, three inductors 1143, four inductors 1143, six inductors 1143, or the single inductor 1143 shown in FIG. 11I. The embodiments of FIGS. 11H and 11I may otherwise be the same or similar to the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 11D.

[0335] During operation, each of the inductors 1143a-1143d can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field to heat the heating element 1142, derive characteristics related to the heating element 1142, and / or operate similarly to the inductors 443, 543, and 943 described herein. It will be appreciated that the cartridge 1120 is intended to be inserted by a user and can be manufactured with different geometries within a range of acceptable geometries. Thus, with each use of the cartridge 1120, its heating element 1142 can be positioned in a slightly different location relative to the inductors 1143a-1143b. Therefore, the use of terms such as "center" can be considered to cover use-case scenarios within an acceptable range, such as within 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, or 10% of the defined "center."

[0336] To form each of the inductors 1143 shown and described in Figures 11D-11I, wire (e.g., multi-strand, copper, and / or Litz wire) can be wound into a desired shape, such as a shape including a circular or non-circular cross-section. Figures 8A-8F show exemplary cross-sections that can be used for shapes such as inductors 1143a, 1143b, including, but not limited to, rectangular cross-sections, rounded rectangular cross-sections, oval or elliptical cross-sections, oval cross-sections, C-shaped cross-sections, or other cross-sections including corners, bends, edges, protrusions, recesses, etc. In various embodiments, the inductor 1143 can include two or more layers of wire, which are positioned on top of each other in terms of the width or depth of the vaporizer device. For example, the inductor 1143 may include a first layer of windings closer to and / or on the holder assembly 1158 of the vaporizer device and a second layer of windings farther from the holder assembly 1158 and / or closer to the outer shell of the vaporizer body that includes the holder assembly 1158. If the holder assembly 1158 or the vaporizer device is partially defined by a circular cross-section, the layers of wire may be considered to be disposed on top of each other in terms of the radius of the holder assembly 1158 and / or vaporizer device.

[0337] 11A-11I are shown and described as being in particular locations, alternative locations are contemplated. For example, FIGS. 12A-12E show exemplary relative positions of inductors 1243a, 1243b, positioned on top of each other along the length of cartridge 1220 and on the same side of heating element 1242, but positioned or wrapped around less than half the circumference of heating element 1242 (FIG. 12A); higher and lower than each other along the length of cartridge 1220, but on opposite sides of heating element 1242, and not overlapping in any cross section taken along the length of heating element 1242 (FIG. 12B); higher and lower than each other along the length of cartridge 1220, but A total of four inductors 1143 are positioned on opposite sides of the heating element 1242 and partially overlap in a cross-section taken along the length of the heating element 1242 (FIG. 12C), one on top of the other along the length of the cartridge 1220 and on opposite sides of the heating element 1242, each positioned or wrapped around less than half the circumference of the heating element 1242 (FIG. 12D), one on top of the other along the length of the cartridge 1220 and on the same side of the heating element 1242 but positioned or wrapped around most of the circumference of the heating element 1242 (FIG. 12E), and / or similarly positioned. In certain embodiments, the inductors 1243 can instead take the form of a solenoid coil formed from wire wrapped multiple times around the heating element 1242. While the cartridge 1220 and heating element 1242 in FIGS. 12A-12E are shown as being cylindrical, the relative positions of the inductors 1243a, 1243b can be applied to embodiments having cartridges 1220 and heating elements 1242 with different cross-sections. For example, any of the inductors 1143 of Figures 11A-11G can be modified to be positioned relative to one another as shown and described with respect to Figures 12A-12E.

[0338] 11A-11I around the circumference of the heating element 1142 and / or holder assemblies 1158a-1158i are contemplated. For example, FIGS. 13A-13G show exemplary relative positions of the inductors 1343 around the circumference of the heating element 1342, including one inductor 1343 or a set of inductors 1343 located on one side of the circumference of the circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12A), two inductors 1343 or two sets of inductors 1343 located on opposite sides of the circumference of the circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12B), three inductors 1343 or three sets of inductors 1343 spaced approximately equally around the circumference of the circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12C), and three inductors 1343 spaced approximately equally around the circumference of the circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12D). Examples of suitable inductors 1343 include four inductors 1343 or four sets of inductors 1343 spaced approximately equally around the circumference (FIG. 12D), two inductors 1343 or two sets of inductors 1343 positioned on either side (long or short side) of the circumference of the non-circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12E), three inductors 1343 or three sets of inductors 1343 spaced around the circumference of the non-circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12F), and four inductors 1343 or four sets of inductors 1343 spaced around the circumference of the non-circular heating element 1342 (FIG. 12G). While each inductor 1343 is shown as having a flat rectangular cross-section, the inductors 1343 can instead be curved and / or wrapped around a portion of the circumference of the heating element 1342 at or near each inductor 1343. Any of the inductors 1143 of FIGS. 11A-11I can be modified to be positioned relative to one another as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13A-13G.

[0339] 6A-6J show cross-sectional schematic views of various embodiments of vaporizer cartridges 620a-j consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Furthermore, these vaporizer cartridges 620a-j may be embodiments of one or more components of vaporizer cartridge 120 of FIGS. 1A-1B, vaporizer cartridge 220 of FIG. 2, cartridge 320 of FIG. 3, and / or cartridges 400, 400a-q of FIGS. 4A-4Q.

[0340] 6A, cartridge 620, 620a can include mouthpiece portion 630 and heater portion 641 within one or more layers of material (shown as coating(s) 622). Cartridge 620 can extend between cartridge proximal end 620x and cartridge distal end 620y. Heater portion 641 can extend from heater portion distal end 641b to heater portion proximal end 641a, and mouthpiece portion 630 can extend from mouthpiece portion distal end 630b to mouthpiece portion proximal end 630a.

[0341] Heater portion 641 can include one or more heating elements 642 that at least partially define a volume in which vaporizable material 602 is held. Heating element(s) 642 can be configured to heat vaporizable material 602 to generate vapor. As described herein, heat can be generated by induction means, but conductive and / or convective heating can also be provided. The volume in which vaporizable material 602 is held can be considered a heater chamber. Thus, heating element(s) 642 can define at least a portion of the perimeter of the heater chamber containing vaporizable material 602, and in some embodiments, can define substantially all of the perimeter.

[0342] As shown in FIG. 6B , heater portion 641 can include or be adjacent to an end cap 664 at cartridge distal end 620y to retain vaporizable material 602 within a defined interior volume of heater portion 641 and / or to define a lower boundary of the volume (e.g., heater chamber). End cap 664 can include one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., through-holes) to allow ambient air to enter the heater chamber. Additionally or alternatively, end cap 664 can include an air-permeable material, such as a filter, configured to allow air to pass through the material and enter the heater chamber. End cap 664 (e.g., filter) can include materials such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, a corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, a heat-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and the like. In some embodiments, end cap 664 can be considered separat...

Claims

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

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

3. 3. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge length between the distal end and the proximal end of the cartridge, a cartridge depth across the cartridge length, and a cartridge width across both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, the cartridge width being greater than the cartridge depth and the cartridge length being greater than both the cartridge depth and the cartridge width.

4. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the cartridge has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, a perimeter of the cartridge including the long sides and the short sides, the perimeter of the cartridge defining a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge perpendicular to the cartridge length.

5. 5. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the cartridge width is at least 1.5 times the cartridge depth.

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

7. The cartridge of claim 3 , wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels include a first airflow outlet channel and a second airflow outlet channel spaced apart along the cartridge width.

8. 8. The cartridge of claim 6 or 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of bypass channels are angled downwardly relative to a plane formed by the cartridge width and the cartridge depth and toward the at least one vapor inlet within a corresponding one of the one or more airflow outlet channels to create turbulence in the at least one condensation chamber.

9. 8. The cartridge of claim 6 or 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of bypass channels are angled upwardly relative to a plane formed by the cartridge width and the cartridge depth and toward the at least one airflow outlet within a corresponding one of the one or more airflow outlet channels to create turbulence in the at least one condensation chamber.

10. 10. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein at least some of the plurality of bypass channels are offset from one another along the cartridge width and along the cartridge length to generate turbulence in the at least one condensation chamber.

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

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

13. 13. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels begin at the at least one vapor inlet and end at the at least one airflow outlet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. 20. The cartridge of claim 18 or 19, wherein the heater insert comprises a pass-through filter including a hollow volume configured to allow the ambient air to pass through the hollow volume.

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

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

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

24. 24. A cartridge according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel are formed in a first insert and the third airflow outlet channel is formed in a second insert.

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

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

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

28. 28. A cartridge according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first airflow outlet channel is formed in a first insert, and the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel are formed in a second insert.

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

30. 30. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 29, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a divider, and wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a wall that defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

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

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

33. 33. The cartridge of claim 31 or 32, wherein the at least one bypass air inlet is formed through the wall adjacent to the second plurality of vapor inlets to create turbulent air within the at least one condensing chamber.

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

35. 30. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 29, further comprising a partition defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, the mouthpiece portion further comprising a wall further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

36. 36. The cartridge of claim 35, wherein the at least one vapor inlet comprises a plurality of vapor inlets formed through the partition, the partition abutting the wall such that the plurality of vapor inlets are adjacent to the at least one bypass air inlet.

37. 37. The cartridge of claim 35 or 36, wherein the at least one bypass air inlet is formed through the wall adjacent to the plurality of vapor inlets to create turbulent air flow within the at least one condensing chamber.

38. 30. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 29, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a partition, the partition comprising the at least one vapor inlet and the at least one bypass air inlet, the partition being in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels.

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

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

41. 41. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 40, wherein the heating element comprises a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the metal sheet being joined at a joining location, and optionally the heating element comprises a metal sheet having the first end and the second end.

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

43. 43. The cartridge of claim 41 or 42, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element including the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defining a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length.

44. 44. A cartridge according to claim 43, wherein the joining location is located on one of the opposing short sides.

45. 43. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 42, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element including the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defining a non-cylindrical cross section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length.

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

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

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

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

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

51. 51. The cartridge of claim 49 or 50, wherein the tobacco comprises cured tobacco leaves and cured tobacco stems.

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

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

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

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

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

57. 57. A cartridge according to any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein the interior of the cartridge is sprayed with the wetting agent.

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

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

60. 60. The cartridge of claim 58 or 59, wherein the susceptor comprises stainless steel.

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

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

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

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

65. 64. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 63, wherein the outside air includes ambient air passing along an airflow inlet path, and optionally the airflow inlet path includes a path configured to allow the ambient air to pass from outside the vaporizer device, along an outer surface of the cartridge, through the one or more cartridge inlets, and into the cartridge.

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

67. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the mouthpiece portion includes an insert, wherein each of the at least one steam inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels is laser cut through the insert, and wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels begin at the at least one steam inlet and end at the at least one airflow outlet.

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

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

70. 70. The method of any one of claims 66 to 69, further comprising forming a partition portion including a partition that defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, wherein the mouthpiece portion further includes a wall that further defines at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

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

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

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

74. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element includes the long sides and the short sides, the perimeter of the heating element defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element perpendicular to the cartridge length, and optionally the bonding location is located on one of the opposing short sides.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

84. 1. A vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, said vaporizer device comprising: a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor; at least one induction coil configured to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element; A controller; wherein the controller applying power to the at least one induction coil to generate the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field; Deriving the inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil; adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil; It is configured as follows: Vaporizer device.

85. the controller is further configured to estimate a temperature of the heating element based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil is based on the estimated temperature of the heating element.

85. The vaporizer device of claim 84.

86. the controller is further configured to select an operating temperature of the heating element, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one induction coil is further based on the operating temperature of the heating element.

86. The vaporizer device of claim 84 or 85.

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

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

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

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

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

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

93. 93. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 92, further comprising at least one sensing coil configured to sense the inductance and resistance of the at least one induction coil and / or the inductance and resistance of the heating element, the sensing coil being positioned in proximity to the at least one induction coil and / or the heating element.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

101. 101. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 100, further comprising one or more magnetic flux concentrators configured to direct energy generated by the at least one induction coil towards the heating element, the one or more magnetic flux concentrators at least partially surrounding the at least one induction coil.

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

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

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

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

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

107. 107. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 106, wherein the heating element comprises aluminum, and optionally the heating element is at least partially wrapped around a periphery of the vaporizable material and configured to heat the periphery of the vaporizable material.

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

109. 109. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 108, further comprising a sensing circuit coupled to electrical leads of the at least one induction coil, the sensing circuit configured to measure an inductance and a resistance of the at least one induction coil, and the controller configured to derive the inductance and the resistance of the at least one induction coil.

110. 110. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 109, wherein the controller is further configured to detect the presence of the heating element via the at least one induction coil.

111. The controller determining whether the heating element is enabled; After determining that the heating element is effective, enabling the heating element 111. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 110, further configured to:

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

113. The controller determining the position of the heating element; 113. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 112, further configured to adjust characteristics of the generation of the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field based on the position of the heating element.

114. a cartridge comprising the heating element; a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge; and the at least one induction coil a device body comprising:

114. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 113, further comprising:

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

116. 116. The vaporizer device of claim 114 or 115, wherein the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a cartridge length between the distal and proximal ends of the cartridge, a cartridge depth transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width transverse to both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, the cartridge width being greater than the cartridge depth, the cartridge having opposing long sides offset from one another along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides offset from one another along the cartridge width, a perimeter of the cartridge including the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the cartridge defining a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge perpendicular to the cartridge length.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

128. 128. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 123 to 127, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one induction coil according to the preheating mode to expel water vapor within the cartridge.

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

130. 130. The vaporizer device of claim 129, wherein the controller is further configured to estimate the temperature of the at least one induction coil through comparison with the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the lookup table.

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

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

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

134. 134. The device of claim 132 or 133, further comprising at least one bypass air inlet and one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one steam inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with ambient air through the at least one bypass air inlet.

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

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

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

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

Images