Non-nicotine electron inhalation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a non-nicotine electronic inhalation device or e-vaping device. [Solution] In a non-nicotine e-inhalation device, a saturation sensor measures at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire in a first time and a second time. Here, the at least one electrical characteristic includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance. The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-inhalation device to calculate the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation flows over the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic in the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic in the second time, to determine whether the replenishment rate is less than a threshold replenishment rate, and to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to the determination that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to non-nicotine electronic inhalation or e-vaping devices.

Background Art

[0002] Non-nicotine electronic inhalation or e-vaping devices include a heating element that vaporizes a non-nicotine pre-vaporized formulation to produce non-nicotine vapor.

[0003] Non-nicotine electronic inhalation devices include a power source such as a rechargeable battery disposed within the device. The power source is electrically connected to the heater. The power source supplies power to the heater so that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient to convert the non-nicotine pre-vaporized formulation into non-nicotine vapor. The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device through a mouthpiece that includes at least one outlet.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine electronic inhalation device comprising: a non-nicotine container configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation; a wick configured to guide the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation from the non-nicotine container; a heating element configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation guided from the non-nicotine container; a probe wire along the length of the wick, separated from the heating element by the wick; a saturation sensor; and a control circuit. The saturation sensor measures at least one electrical property of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire in a first time, wherein the at least one electrical property includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance; and measures at least one electrical property of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire in a second time, wherein the second time follows the first time. The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation flows onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time, to determine if the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate, and to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate.

[0005] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

[0006] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate a first impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time, calculate a second impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a second time, and calculate a replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

[0007] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time, to determine whether at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, and to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electronic inhaler in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

[0008] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time, to determine whether at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, and to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to the determination that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

[0009] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time, calculate the impedance of the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, determine whether the impedance is above a threshold, and, in response to determining that the impedance is above a threshold, disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electronic inhaler.

[0010] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time, calculate the impedance of the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, determine whether the impedance is above a threshold, and, in response to determining that the impedance is above a threshold, output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning.

[0011] The non-nicotine electronic inhalation device may further include a power supply configured to provide power to the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device.

[0012] The probe wire may be stainless steel wire.

[0013] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine electronic inhaler comprising an outer housing, an inner tube coaxially disposed within the outer housing, a non-nicotine container configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation, the non-nicotine container disposed between the inner tube and the outer housing, a wick configured to guide the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation from the non-nicotine container, a heating element configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation guided from the non-nicotine container, a saturation sensor assembly, and a control circuit. The saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer housing and the inner tube in a first time and a second time, where the second time follows the first time. The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation flows onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic in the first time and at least one electrical characteristic in the second time, to determine whether the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate, and to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate.

[0014] The non-nicotine electronic inhalation device may further include a probe wire on the outer circumference of the inner tube, where the saturation sensor assembly may be configured to measure at least one electrical property between the outer housing and the inner tube by measuring at least one electrical property between the outer housing and the probe wire on the outer circumference of the inner tube. The probe wire may be a stainless steel wire.

[0015] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

[0016] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to calculate a first impedance based on the electrical characteristics at a first time, a second impedance based on the electrical characteristics at a second time, and a replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

[0017] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time, to determine whether at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, and to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electronic inhaler in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

[0018] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time, to determine whether at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, and to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to the determination that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

[0019] The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time, calculate the impedance of the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, determine whether the impedance is above a threshold, and, in response to determining that the impedance is above a threshold, disable inhalation with the non-nicotine electronic inhaler.

[0020] The control circuit may be configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler to measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time, calculate the impedance of the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, determine whether the impedance is above a threshold, and, in response to determining that the impedance is above a threshold, output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation warning.

[0021] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a method for detecting depletion of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in a non-nicotine container of a non-nicotine electronic inhaler. The method includes: measuring at least one electrical property of the wick between a heating element and a probe wire in a first time, wherein at least one electrical property includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance; measuring at least one electrical property of the wick between a heating element and a probe wire in a second time, wherein the second time follows the first time; calculating the replenishment rate at which non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation flows over the wick based on the at least one electrical property in the first time and the at least one electrical property in the second time; determining whether the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate; and outputting a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the replenishment rate is below a threshold replenishment rate.

[0022] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; determining whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold; and disabling inhalation in a non-nicotine electron inhalation device in response to determining that the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] In this specification, the various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings should not be considered as being drawn to scale unless explicitly stated otherwise. For clarity, various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a side view of a non-nicotine electronic inhalation device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first portion of the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-II'.

[0026] [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the first portion shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a second portion of the electronic inhalation device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-II'.

[0028] [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the second portion shown in FIG. 4. [[ID=e32]]

[0029] [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-II'.

[0030] [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a saturation circuit assembly.

[0031] [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a saturation circuit assembly.

[0032] [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a saturation circuit assembly.

[0033] [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of the saturation judgment circuit configuration.

[0034] [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting depletion of a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative only for the purpose of illustrating the exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0036] Therefore, while exemplary embodiments are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, these exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit themselves to any particular form disclosed, but rather encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, similar numbers refer to similar components.

[0037] Figure 1 is a side view of a non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 includes a replaceable container (or first part) 105 and a reusable battery unit (or second part) 110. The first part 105 and the second part 110 may be joined together by a connector assembly 115.

[0039] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 115 may be a connector as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 154,439, filed May 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 154,439, the connector assembly 115 may be formed by deep drawing.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first part 105 includes the first housing 120, and the second part 110 includes the second housing 120'. The non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 includes a mouthpiece 125 at the first end 130 and an end cap 135 at the second end 140.

[0041] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first housing 120 and the second housing 120' may have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. In other exemplary embodiments, the housings 120 and 120' may have a substantially triangular, rectangular, elliptical, square, or polygonal cross-section along one or more of the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. Furthermore, the housings 120 and 120' may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, or the same or different sizes. As described herein, the housings 120, 120' may also be referred to as the outer or main housing.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments may be described in several examples with respect to the first part 105 coupled to the second part 110, but the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

[0043] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first portion 105 of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10 along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the first portion 105 shown in Figure 2.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first housing 120 extends in the longitudinal direction, and an air tube 202 (or chimney) is coaxially arranged within the first housing 120.

[0045] A first nose portion 204 of the first gasket 206 (or seal) is fitted to the first end of the air tube 202 (for example, upstream with respect to the airflow during intake). The outer circumference of the first gasket 206 can provide a seal with the inner surface of the first housing 120. The first gasket 206 includes a central longitudinal air passage 208 that is in fluid communication with the air tube 202 and defines an internal passage (also called a central channel or central internal passage) 210. A lateral channel 212 in the rear portion of the first gasket 206 intersects with and communicates with the air passage 208 of the first gasket 206. The lateral channel 212 enables fluid communication between the air passage 208 and the central air passage 214, which will be described in more detail later.

[0046] The first connector piece 216 is mated to the first end of the first housing 120. The first connector piece 216 is part of the connector assembly 115.

[0047] The first connector piece 216 is a hollow cylinder with a female thread on a portion of its outer side. The first connector piece 216 is conductive and may be formed of or coated with a conductive material. The female thread (or female thread portion) may be screwed onto the male thread (or male thread portion) of the second portion 110 to connect the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Rather, the connector may be, for example, a snug-fit connector, a detent connector, a clamp connector, a clasp connector, etc. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the male and female connectors may be reversed as desired, such that the male connector becomes part of the first portion 105.

[0048] The conductive post 218 is nested within the hollow portion of the first connector piece 216 and is electrically insulated from the first connector piece 216 by the gasket insulator 220. The conductive post 218 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and may function as the anode portion of the first connector piece 216.

[0049] The conductive post 218 defines the central air passage 214. The central air passage 214 is in fluid communication with the air passage 208 via the lateral channel 212. The gasket insulator 220 holds the conductive post 218 within the first connector piece 216. The gasket insulator 220 also electrically insulates the conductive post 218 from the outer portion 222 of the first connector piece 216.

[0050] The outer portion 222 of the first connector piece 216 functions as the cathode connector of the first connector piece 216, and the outer portion 222 is electrically insulated from the conductive post 218 by the gasket insulator 220. In this specification, the outer portion 222 may also be referred to as the cathode connector or cathode portion. The outer portion 222 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.).

[0051] Referring further to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second nose portion 224 of the second gasket 226 may be fitted onto the second end 250 of the air tube 202. The outer circumference of the second gasket 226 may also provide a substantial seal with the inner surface of the first housing 120. The second gasket 226 may include a central passage 228 (or channel) positioned between the internal passage 210 of the air tube 202 and the interior of the mouthpiece 125. Non-nicotine vapor may flow from the internal passage 210 through the central passage 228 into the cavity in the mouthpiece 125.

[0052] The mouthpiece 125 includes at least two outlets 230 which may be positioned off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10. The outlets 230 may be recessed or non-recessed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 and may be angled outward. The outlets 230 may be distributed substantially uniformly around the mouthpiece 125 to distribute the non-nicotine vapor substantially uniformly.

[0053] The first part 105 further includes a non-nicotine container 232 configured to store a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation and a vaporizer 234. The vaporizer 234 includes a heating element 236 and a wick 238. The vaporizer 234 is configured to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation induced from the non-nicotine container 232. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the scope of the non-nicotine container 232 is defined between the first gasket 206, the second gasket 226, the first housing 120, and the air tube 202. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited by this example. The non-nicotine container 232 may include a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation and, optionally, storage media 232LD, 232HD configured to store the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation therein.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of the following: cotton (e.g., a roll of cotton gauze), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or a combination thereof. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the storage mediums 232LD, 232HD may comprise two layers of the fibrous material. Each layer may have a different density. The fibers may have a diameter range of about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered body, a porous body, or a foam. The fibers may also be of an irrespirable size and may have a cross-section of Y-shape, cross-shape, clover-shape, or any other suitable shape. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the storage medium comprises a low-density gauze 232LD surrounding a high-density gauze 232HD. The high-density gauze 232HD may be placed between the low-density gauze 232LD and the air tube 202 so that the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation is guided toward the wick 238.

[0055] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine container 232 may include a filled tank containing only the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation, omitting any storage medium.

[0056] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine container 232 may at least partially surround the internal passage 210 and the air tube 202. The heating element 236 may extend across the internal passage 210 between opposing portions of the non-nicotine container 232. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal passage 210.

[0057] The non-nicotine container 232 may be sized and configured to hold a sufficient amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation so that the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10 can be configured to inhale for at least about 200 seconds. Furthermore, the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10 may be configured to allow each puff to last for a maximum of about 5 seconds.

[0058] As described above, the vaporizer 234 includes a heating element 236 and a wick 238. The wick 238 may include at least a first end and a second end, which may extend to the opposite side of the non-nicotine container 232. The heating element 236 may at least partially surround the central portion of the wick 238.

[0059] The wick 238 may guide the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation from the non-nicotine container 232 (for example, via capillary action), and the heating element 236 may generate “vapor” by heating the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the central portion of the wick 238 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation. As referred to herein, “vapor” is any substance generated or produced from any non-nicotine electron inhalation device relating to any exemplary embodiment disclosed herein.

[0060] In addition to the features discussed herein, at least one exemplary embodiment of the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10 may include features defined in U.S. Patent Application No. 2013 / 0192623 filed January 31, 2013, and / or features defined in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 135,930 filed April 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine electronic inhaler may include features defined in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 135,923 filed April 22, 2016, and / or U.S. Patent No. 9,289,014 issued March 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as will be described in more detail later, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into a nicotine-free non-nicotine vapor.

[0062] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may include filaments (or threads) having the ability to induce a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation. For example, the wick 238 may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc. All of these arrangements may be capable of inducing a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation through capillary action due to the gaps between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (cross) to the longitudinal direction of the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may include 1 to 8 filament strands, each strand consisting of multiple glass filaments twisted together. The ends of the wick 238 may be flexible and foldable at the boundary of the non-nicotine container 232. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cruciate, cloverleaf, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

[0063] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic, or graphite-based materials. The wick 238 may have the effect of inducing any suitable capillary action to accommodate non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure. The wick 238 may be non-conductive.

[0064] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may include a coil of wire (heater coil) that at least partially surrounds the wick 238. The wire used to form the coil of wire may be metal. The heating element 236 may extend all or partially along the length of the wick 238. The heating element 236 may further extend all or partially around the circumference of the wick 238. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may or may not be in contact with (or directly in contact with) the wick 238.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heating element 236 is electrically connected to the conductive post 218 via a first electrical lead 240 and to the outer portion 222 via a second electrical lead 240'. Thus, the outer portion 222 and the conductive post 218 form their respective external electrical connections to the heating element 236.

[0066] In at least some other exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may be in the form of a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a mesh, a cage of resistive wires, or any other suitable form. More generally, the heating element 236 may be any heater configured to vaporize a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation.

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may be formed of any suitable electrical resistive material. Suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals from copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and the platinum group. Suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel-based superalloys. For example, the heating element 236 may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material having a layer of alumina on its surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the electrical resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the dynamics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. The heating element 236 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In other exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may be a ceramic heater having an electrical resistance layer on its outer surface.

[0068] Referring further to Figures 2 and 3, the air tube 202 may include a pair of opposing slots 242, from which the wick 238 and the ends of the first and second electrical leads 240, 240' or heating element 236 may extend. Providing opposing slots 242 in the air tube 202 makes it easier to position the heating element 236 and the wick 238 in a predetermined position within the air tube 202 without impacting the edges of the opposing slots 242 and the coil portion of the heating element 236. Therefore, the edges of the opposing slots 242 may not allow impact to alter the coil spacing of the heating element 236, otherwise this would create a potential source of hot spots. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air tube 202 may have a diameter of about 4 mm, and each of the opposing slots may have a length and width dimension of about 2 mm × about 4 mm.

[0069] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the wick 238 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heating element 236 may be conducted to the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation by a heat conduction element, or the heating element 236 may heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation by convection by transferring heat to the incoming ambient air induced through the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10 during inhalation.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3, the first portion 105 may further include a covering tube 244, a spacer tube 246, and an inner tube 248. Although not shown in Figure 2, the covering tube 244 may be positioned to surround the portion of the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the second nose portion 224. Similar to the air tube 202, the covering tube 244 may extend longitudinally or be positioned coaxially within the first housing 120. The covering tube 244 may cover portions of each of the opposing slots 242.

[0071] The spacer tube 246 may extend longitudinally and be coaxially positioned within the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the conductive post 218. The inner tube 248 may extend longitudinally and be coaxially positioned within the spacer tube 246. Figure 3 shows the covering tube 244, the spacer tube 246, and the inner tube 248, but one or more of these tubes (e.g., the inner tube 248) may be omitted.

[0072] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second portion of an exemplary embodiment of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10 along line II-II' in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the second portion 110 shown in Figure 4.

[0073] The second part 110 may be a reusable part of the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10, where the reusable part may be rechargeable by an external charger. Alternatively, the second part 110 may be disposable. In this example, the second part 110 may be used until the energy from the power source 402 (described later) is depleted (for example, until the energy falls below a threshold level and becomes insufficient).

[0074] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, at least according to this exemplary embodiment, the power supply 402 includes an anode connector 404 and a cathode connector 406. Each of the anode connector 404 and the cathode connector 406 may be in the form of one or more electrical leads or wires. The power supply 402 may be a battery. For example, the power supply 402 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variation of a lithium-ion battery such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may be disposable or rechargeable.

[0075] The second portion 110 further includes a connector piece 408 at the first end of the second portion 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the connector piece 408 is a male connector configured to connect to the female first connector piece 216 of the first portion 105. Alternatively, the connector piece 408 may be a female connector configured to connect to the male connector of the first portion 105.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the connector piece 408 includes a screw 410 configured to screw into a corresponding screw on the first connector piece 216 of the first portion 105. Although illustrated as a screw connection, according to at least some other exemplary embodiments, the connector piece 408 may be, for example, a snug-fit connector, a detent connector, a clamp connector, a clasp connector, and the like.

[0077] The cathode connection (connector piece 408) of the power supply 402 terminates at a sensor assembly 424 located adjacent to the second end of the second portion 110, and is electrically connected to it. The sensor assembly 424 will be described in more detail later.

[0078] The anode connection 404 is terminated by a conductive post 412 and electrically connected to the conductive post 412. The conductive post 412 may function as the anode portion of the connector piece 408. The conductive post 412 defines a central passage 414 that is in fluid communication with one or more side vents 416. The side vents 416 may be holes that penetrate the conductive post 412. The central passage 414 and one or more side vents 416 allow for puff detection by a sensor assembly (e.g., a puff sensor assembly) 424 due to pressure changes as air is guided through the air inlet 145.

[0079] Although only two side vents 416 and two air inlets 145 are shown in Figure 4, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the conductive post 412 may include any number of side vents 416, and the connector piece 408 may include any number of air inlets 145. For example, the conductive post 412 may include four side vents 416 spaced equally apart around the conductive post 412. Similarly, the connector piece 408 may include four air inlets 145 spaced equally apart around the connector piece 408.

[0080] The conductive post 412 further includes an upper portion 418 having a recess that, when connected to the second portion 110, allows air induced through the air inlet 145 to flow and / or communicate with the first portion 105 through the end of the second portion 110.

[0081] The conductive post 412 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and may be nested within the hollow portion of the connector piece 408. When the connector piece 408 of the second portion 110 is coupled to the first connector piece 216 of the first portion 105, the upper portion 418 (and the conductive post 412) are physically and electrically connected to the conductive post 218, allowing current to flow from the power supply 402 to the heating element 236. This electrical connection also allows electrical signal transmission between the first portion 105 and the second portion 110.

[0082] Referring further to Figures 4 and 5, the gasket insulator 420 holds the conductive post 412 within the connector piece 408. The gasket insulator 420 also electrically insulates the conductive post 412 from the outer portion 422 of the connector piece 408. The outer portion 422 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and may function as the cathode portion of the connector piece 408.

[0083] As described above, the connector piece 408 includes one or more air inlets 145 configured to transmit ambient air into the connector piece 408. The air inlets 145 may also be referred to as vents or air holes.

[0084] The ambient air guided to the connector piece 408 may combine and / or mix with the air flowing out of one or more side vents 416 when the first portion 105 is coupled to the second portion 110, and flow into the first portion 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 145 may penetrate the connector piece 408 at an angle perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the connector piece 408, directly below the screw 410.

[0085] The sidewall of the air inlet 145 may be beveled so that the sidewall slopes inward (for example, so that the sidewall "spreads conically" at the edge of the air inlet 145). By beveling the sidewall at the edge of the air inlet 145 (as opposed to using a relatively sharp corner at the edge of the air inlet 145), the air inlet 145 may be less likely to become clogged or partially blocked (by reducing the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet 145 near the edge of the air inlet 145). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewall at the edge of the air inlet 145 may be beveled (angled) at approximately 38 degrees with respect to the longitudinal length (or longitudinal centerline) of the connector piece 408 and the second housing 120' of the second portion 110.

[0086] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 145 may be fabricated and configured such that the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10 has a resistance-to-draw (RTD) range of about 60 mmH2O to about 150 mmH2O.

[0087] Referring further to Figures 4 and 5, as described above, the second part 110 includes a sensor assembly (e.g., a puff sensor assembly) 424.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, for example, the sensor assembly 424 is electrically connected to a power supply 402 and supplied with power. In at least this exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 424 includes a sensor (e.g., a puff sensor) 426, a saturation sensor 427, and a control circuit 428.

[0089] The control circuit 428 is configured to provide current and / or electrical signals to the first part 105. To this end, the control circuit 428 is electrically connected to the conductive post 412 (the anode portion of the connector piece 408) via control circuit wiring (or leads) 430, and to the outer (cathode) portion 422 of the connector piece 408 via control circuit wiring (or leads) 432. In this example, at least, the control circuit wiring 432 functions as the cathode of the electrical circuit including the sensor assembly 424.

[0090] Sensor 426 may be a capacitive sensor capable of sensing a drop in internal pressure within the second section 110. When coupled to the second section 110, sensor 426 and control circuit 428 may function together to open and close a heater control circuit (not shown) between the power supply 402 and the heating element 236 of the first section 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, sensor 426 is configured to produce an output indicating the magnitude and direction of the airflow passing through the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10. In this example, control circuit 428 receives the output of sensor 426 and determines whether (1) the direction of the airflow indicates the application of negative pressure (e.g., positive pressure or blown) to the mouthpiece 125, and (2) the magnitude of the application of negative pressure exceeds a threshold level. If these inhalation conditions are met, control circuit 428 electrically connects the power supply 402 to the heating element 236 to activate the heating element 236.

[0091] In one example, the heater control circuit may include a heater power control transistor (not shown). The control circuit 428 may electrically connect the power supply 402 to the heating element 236 by activating the heater power control transistor. In at least one example, the heater power control transistor (or heater control circuit) may form part of the control circuit 428.

[0092] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 424 may include one or more features defined in Loi Ling Liu's U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 and / or Loi Ling Liu's U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0305410, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the control circuit 428 and the sensor 426 may be separate elements arranged on a printed circuit board and connected via electrical contacts. In addition, although capacitive sensors have been discussed herein, the sensor 426 may be any suitable pressure sensor, such as a MEMS (Microelectromechanical system) including, for example, a piezoresistive or other pressure sensor.

[0093] As further illustrated in Figures 7-11, the saturation sensor 427 is connected to the power supply 402 via a cathode connector 406 and an electrical lead 430, and to the first section 105 via an electrical lead 432. The saturation sensor 427 may be configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of the saturation circuit included in the first section 105. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the saturation sensor 427 may measure the resistance and / or capacitance of the saturation circuit. From the resistance and / or capacitance, the control circuit 428 may calculate the impedance of the saturation circuit. In one example, based on the resistance, capacitance and / or impedance, the control circuit 428 may detect that the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the non-nicotine container 232 is running low (e.g., the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the non-nicotine container falls below a first minimum threshold) and generate a warning accordingly. In other examples, the control circuit 428 may, when it detects depletion of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container (for example, when the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container falls below a second minimum threshold which is smaller than a first minimum threshold), cause the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10 to disable inhalation and / or power off.

[0094] In particular, the control circuit 428 may include a controller. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the controller may be implemented using hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or a storage medium for storing software. The hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuits such as one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more system-on-a-chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other devices or apparatus that can execute in response to instructions in a defined manner.

[0095] In other exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 428 may include a manually operable switch for an adult inhaler to power the heating element 236.

[0096] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 may limit the duration for which current is continuously supplied to the heating element 236. The duration may be set or preset depending on the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation to be vaporized. In one example, the duration for which current is continuously supplied to the heating element 236 may be limited so that the heating element 236 heats a portion of the wick 238 for less than about 10 seconds. In another example, the duration for which current is continuously supplied to the heating element 236 may be limited so that the heating element 236 heats a portion of the wick 238 for about 5 seconds.

[0097] Referring further to Figures 4 and 5, the sensor assembly 424 is positioned within the sensor holder 434 at the second end of the second portion 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor holder 434 may be part of a silicone or rubber gasket. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0098] A thermal activation light 436 may also be disposed at the second end of the second portion 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the thermal activation light 436 may be disposed within the end cap 135. The thermal activation light 436 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include one or more colors (e.g., white, yellow, red, green, blue, etc.). Furthermore, the thermal activation light 436 may be visible to an adult inhaler during inhalation and may be configured to light up when the power supply 402 supplies current to the heating element 236. The thermal activation light 436 may be used for non-nicotine electronic inhalation system diagnostics or to indicate that the power supply 402 is in the process of recharging. The thermal activation light 436 may also be configured so that an adult inhaler can activate or deactivate the thermal activation light 436 for privacy reasons. The thermally activated light 436 may be part of or electrically connected to the sensor assembly 424 described in Loi Ling Liu's U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 and / or Loi Ling Liu's U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0305410.

[0099] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device shown in Figure 1, along line II-II'.

[0100] Figure 6 shows that the first portion 105 is coupled to the second portion 110. The arrows in Figure 6 indicate exemplary airflow through the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10.

[0101] Next, the operation of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10, which generates non-nicotine vapor when the first part 105 is coupled to the second part 110, will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0102] Referring to Figure 6, in response to the application of negative pressure to the mouthpiece 125, air is primarily directed to the first section 105 through at least one of the air inlets 145.

[0103] When the control circuit 428 detects the inhalation conditions described above, the control circuit 428 starts supplying power to the heating element 236 so that the heating element 236 heats the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation on the wick 238 to generate non-nicotine vapor.

[0104] Air induced through the air inlet 145 enters the cavity within the connector piece 408 and, through the recess in the upper portion 418, enters the central air passage 214. From the central air passage 214, the air flows through the lateral channel 212, through the air passage 208, and then through the inner passage 210.

[0105] The air flowing through the inner passage 210 combines and / or mixes with the non-nicotine vapor generated by the heating element 236, and the air-non-nicotine vapor mixture enters the central passage 228 from the inner passage 210 and then passes through the cavity in the mouthpiece 125. From the cavity in the mouthpiece 125, the air-non-nicotine vapor mixture flows out through the outlet 230.

[0106] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 700. Figure 7 shows a portion of the first part 105 of the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10, and magnifies the view of the heating element 236. In at least an exemplary embodiment, the saturation circuit assembly 700 includes a probe wire 705 that extends along the length of the wick 238 but is separate from (not in contact with) the heating element 236. In various exemplary embodiments, the wick 238 and the probe wire 705 may be shorter or longer than those shown in Figure 7. The probe wire 705 is connected to the first electrical lead 240 via the first probe lead 710. When the first part 105 engages with the second part 110, the first probe lead 710 electrically connects the probe wire 705 to the power supply 402 in the second part 110.

[0107] As previously stated and as will be described in more detail below, the saturation sensor 427 may measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine impedance over at least a portion of the first part 105. More specifically, for example, the saturation sensor 427 may measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine impedance over the saturation circuit assembly 700 by connecting the probe wire 705 and the heating element 236 to the first electrical lead 240 and the second electrical lead 240'. In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one electrical characteristic may include, but is not limited to, resistance, capacitance, or both.

[0108] The control circuit 428 in the second section 140' may determine the impedance associated with the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705 based on an electrical characteristic, such as resistance, measured by the saturation sensor 427. In various exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 428 may determine the saturation level of the wick 238 based on impedance or at least one electrical characteristic.

[0109] Since the electrical characteristics and the resulting impedance indicate (e.g., directly indicate) the saturation level of the wick 238, the electrical characteristics and / or impedance may be used to detect the depletion of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the non-nicotine container 232 so as not to generate undesirable non-nicotine vapor components. In other words, for example, the saturation sensor 427 and the measured electrical characteristics may enable the detection of dry wick conditions (also called dry puff conditions), and consequently, the depletion of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the non-nicotine container.

[0110] The probe wire 705 may be made of stainless steel, but any other conductive metal acceptable for product safety may be used. The saturation sensor 427 may implement any suitable method for determining the impedance between the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705, such as based on the measured resistance, measured capacitance, or a measured combination of resistance and capacitance.

[0111] As described below, the saturated circuit assembly 700 is sensitive to both the presence and amount of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in the wick 238. For example, when the wick 238 is first dried, the impedance may have a resistance measurement of over approximately 10 MΩ and a capacitance of approximately 2 pF. However, once (e.g., within a few seconds) a droplet of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation (e.g., approximately 5 mg) is placed on one end of the wick 238, the resistance measurement may become approximately 2 MΩ and the capacitance may become approximately 200 pF. As more non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation is added, the impedance continues to change until the wick 238 is saturated. When fully saturated, the wick 238 may have a resistance of approximately 45 kΩ and a capacitance of approximately 2200 pF.

[0112] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, in response to a resistance of about 10 MΩ or more and / or a capacitance of about 2 pf or less, the control circuit 428 may power off the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 or disable inhalation thereon by cutting off the power supply to the heating element 236. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit 428 may generate and display a dry wick warning by illuminating an indicator light on the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10. The indicator light may be a thermally activated light 436, which may illuminate or flash a specific color when a dry wick warning is generated. In various exemplary embodiments, a separate indicator light may be included on the first housing 120 of the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10.

[0113] Since the wick 238 is in contact with the probe wire 705 and the heating element 236, the saturation circuit assembly 700 is directly affected by the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation that saturates the wick 238, so that one or more exemplary embodiments may provide more accurate resistance and / or capacitance measurements.

[0114] In addition, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation contains glycerin, propylene glycol, and water, while other components are present in smaller amounts. Therefore, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation acts as an electrolyte in the capacitor formed between the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705 (or the first housing 120, as shown in Figures 8 and 9). Consequently, the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation present directly affects the capacitance of the saturation sensor 427.

[0115] Since the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation is not an insulator, it allows current to pass through, which can be easily measured to determine resistance. Both capacitance and resistance change in direct response to the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation on wick 238 (also known as the saturation level). Measuring either or both may determine that the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation on wick 238 has decreased (or is decreasing) below a minimum threshold level (e.g., wick 238 is beginning to dry out). The combination of resistance and capacitance may be used to determine the electrical impedance of wick 238.

[0116] When the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation is heated to produce non-nicotine vapor, the saturation level of wick 238 decreases, and additional non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation flows from the non-nicotine container into wick 238 (e.g., by capillary action), replenishing wick 238. The flow rate at which the saturation level of wick 238 is replenished may be determined.

[0117] The control circuit 428 may compare the flow rate or replenishment rate with a minimum flow rate threshold to determine whether the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container is running out. If the flow rate is below the minimum flow rate threshold, the control circuit 428 may determine that the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container is running out and may output instructions or warnings corresponding to adult inhalers. The indication or warning may be by illuminating an indicator light (simply supplying power to the light or performing a flashing pattern).

[0118] The calculation of the flow rate or replenishment rate of the wick 238 will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 11.

[0119] Furthermore, the electrical characteristic measurement may be performed while the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10 is operating (for example, during a puff when power is supplied to the heating element 236), and may be performed using the first electrical lead 240 and the second electrical lead 240' without requiring an additional third electrical lead from the first part 105 to the second part 110.

[0120] As described within the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10, the saturation sensor 427 and saturation circuit assembly 700 can be implemented in wicks included in paint or ink systems, food systems that perform wicking of fragrances or other components, feedback systems that increase the rate of wicking replenishment, medical systems that detect bandage infiltration, etc. Because the saturation sensor 427 and saturation circuit assembly 700 are highly sensitive, the described system can be used to detect the presence or increase in the level of liquid before the liquid begins to accumulate in the protected area, thereby increasing the variety of applications of the system.

[0121] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 800. Figure 8 shows a portion of the first part 105 of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10, and enlarges the view of the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 800 of Figure 8 is similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, except that the saturation circuit assembly 800 includes a probe wire 805 around an air tube 202 connected to a first electrical lead 240. In various exemplary embodiments, the probe wire 805 may be connected to a second electrical lead 240'.

[0122] The first probe lead 810 connects one end of the probe wire 805 to the first electrical lead 240. In addition, the first housing 120 is connected to the first electrical lead 240 via the first housing lead 820. The saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and / or capacitance between the probe wire 805 and the first housing 120 to determine the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container 232. Then, as described above, the control circuit 428 deactivates the non-nicotine electronic inhaler 10 and / or, accordingly, outputs a warning for an empty, low, or nearly depleted non-nicotine container 232. In various exemplary embodiments, the saturation circuit assembly 800 may omit the first housing lead 820 and instead measure the resistance and / or capacitance between the probe wire 805 and the heating element 236. As similarly mentioned above, the probe wire 805 is configured to circumfer the air tube 202.

[0123] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 900. Figure 9 shows a portion of the first part 105 of the non-nicotine electron inhalation device 10, and enlarges the view of the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 900 in Figure 9 is similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8, except that the saturation circuit assembly 900 does not include the probe wire 805. Instead, a saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and / or capacitance between the heating element 236 and the first housing 120 to determine the saturation level of the wick 238.

[0124] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the saturation determination circuit arrangement. The saturation circuit assembly 700 in Figure 7 is electrically coupled to a power supply 402, a sensor assembly 424, a saturation sensor 427, and a control circuit 428 via various electrical leads (first electrical lead 240, second electrical lead 240', anode connector 404, cathode connector 406, control circuit wiring 430 and 432) and conductive posts 218 and 418. The saturation sensor 427 measures resistance and / or capacitance across the saturation circuit assembly 700. The same saturation determination circuit arrangement may be used in the saturation circuit assembly 800 in Figure 8 and the saturation circuit assembly 900 in Figure 9.

[0125] The control circuit 428 may include a non-volatile memory (not shown) for storing impedance thresholds, resistance thresholds, capacitance thresholds, flow rate or replenishment amount thresholds, etc.

[0126] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the depletion of non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulations.

[0127] For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiments shown in Figure 11 will be discussed with respect to resistance, and with respect to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples. Rather, the control circuit 428 may perform the method shown in Figure 11 based on the measured capacitance or impedance of the wick 238. In one example, the control circuit 428 may measure the capacitance of the wick 238, which may then be used in place of resistance in the method shown in Figure 11. In another example, the control circuit 428 may measure the resistance and capacitance of the wick 238, which may then be used to calculate and / or determine the impedance of the wick 238. The impedance of the wick 238 may then be used in place of resistance in the method shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, the control circuit 428 may perform a similar method based on information obtained from exemplary embodiments of the saturated circuit assemblies shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0128] Referring to Figure 11, at 1000, the control circuit 428 determines whether or not an inhalation situation exists in the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 may determine whether or not an inhalation situation exists in the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 based on the output from the sensor assembly 424. In one example, if the output from the sensor assembly 424 indicates the application of a negative pressure exceeding a threshold at the mouthpiece 125 of the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10, the control circuit 428 then determines that an inhalation situation exists in the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10.

[0129] If the control circuit 428 determines that an inhalation condition exists, then, in 1100, the control circuit 428 measures (or has the saturation circuit assembly 700 measure) the resistance of the wick 238. As described above, the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11 discusses resistance, but the control circuit 428 may measure and / or determine at least one electrical characteristic of the wick 238, where at least one electrical characteristic may include the resistance and / or capacitance of the wick 238, or the impedance of the wick 238 determined based on its resistance and / or capacitance.

[0130] In step 1105, the control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance of the wick 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold (for example, about 10 MΩ).

[0131] If the measured resistance of the wick 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then in 1110, the control circuit 428 disables the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, disabling the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 may include disabling the inhalation function by cutting off power to the heating element 236, or turning off the non-nicotine e-inhaler 10 (or putting it into a low-power state). The process then ends. Although not shown, in 1110, the control circuit 428 may also illuminate the thermal activation light 436 in a specific color to indicate that the wick 238 is dry and / or the non-nicotine container 232 is depleted.

[0132] Returning to step 1105, if the control circuit 428 determines that the measured resistance is less than the first threshold, then in step 1115, the control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance is greater than or equal to the second threshold (for example, about 2 MΩ).

[0133] If the measured resistance is above a second threshold (and therefore between approximately 10 MΩ and approximately 2 MΩ), then in step 1120, the control circuit 428 generates and displays a warning about the decrease in non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation, such as by illuminating the thermal activation light 436.

[0134] At 1145, the control circuit 428 determines with respect to 1000 whether or not an inhalation condition still exists in the same or substantially the same manner as described above.

[0135] If an inhalation condition still exists, the process then returns to 1100 and continues as described herein.

[0136] Return to 1145, and if there is no longer an inhalation situation (for example, if the puff has finished), then terminate the process.

[0137] Returning to 1115, if the measured resistance is below the second threshold, then in 1117, the control circuit 428 determines whether an inhalation condition still exists (whether the current puff has ended) in the same or substantially the same manner as described above with respect to 1000.

[0138] If there is no longer an inhalation condition, then, in 1130, the control circuit 428 measures the resistance of the wick 238 again at the time when the inhalation condition has stopped and at the end of the threshold time period (e.g., 0.5, 1, or 2 seconds).

[0139] In 1135, the control circuit 428 calculates the replenishment rate or flow rate based on the difference between the saturation level at the end of the puff (indicated by resistance measurement) and the saturation level at the end of the threshold time period (indicated by resistance measurement). In this case, the saturation level may be indicated by the resistance measurement R0 of the wick 238 at the end of the puff (first time) and the resistance measurement R1 of the wick 238 at the end of the threshold time period after the puff has finished (second time). In one example, the control circuit 428 calculates the change in resistance level over the length of the threshold time period t TH Assuming it is divided by, the replenishment rate is (replenishment rate = [R0-R1] / t TH ) may be calculated. In other examples where impedance is used, the replenishment rate is the change in impedance level divided by the length of the threshold time period, i.e., (replenishment rate = [Z0-Z1] / t TH ) may be calculated as follows: where Z0 is the impedance of wick 238 at the end of the puff, and Z1 is the impedance of the wick at the end of the threshold time period after the end of the puff.

[0140] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 may calculate the flow rate or replenishment rate by monitoring the resistance, capacitance and / or impedance of the wick 238 during puffs to determine the minimum saturation level (e.g., maximum resistance or impedance value), which the wick 238 then resaturates (reaches its initial resistance or impedance level). The control circuit 428 may then calculate the flow rate as the amount of resaturation over time between when the wick 238 is at the minimum saturation level and when the wick 238 is resaturated (the difference between the impedance at depletion and resaturation, which may be indicated by resistance measurements).

[0141] In step 1140, the control circuit 428 compares the replenishment rate calculated in step 1135 with the minimum replenishment rate threshold to determine whether the replenishment rate is less than the minimum replenishment rate threshold.

[0142] As the amount of non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container 232 decreases, the replenishment rate of the wick 238 decreases. Therefore, the control circuit 428 may determine that the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container 232 is running out (below the minimum threshold) when the replenishment rate for the wick falls below a minimum threshold level.

[0143] If the control circuit 428 determines in step 1140 that the replenishment rate is below a minimum threshold, then the control circuit 428 determines that the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container 232 is running low. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 1120 and continues as described herein.

[0144] Returning to 1140, if the replenishment rate is greater than the minimum replenishment rate threshold, the process then returns to 1100 and continues as described herein.

[0145] Returning to step 1117, if the control circuit 428 determines that an inhalation condition still exists, it then continues to monitor the output of the sensor assembly 424 to determine when the inhalation condition has stopped (when the puff has finished). Once the inhalation condition no longer exists, the process proceeds to step 1130 and continues as described above.

[0146] Now, returning to step 1000 in Figure 11, if the control circuit 428 determines that no intake condition exists yet, it then continues to monitor the output of the sensor assembly 424 for the intake condition. Once an intake condition is detected, the process proceeds to step 1100 and continues as described above.

[0147] Where a component or layer is referred to as "on," "connected to," "joined to," or "covered by" another component or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly on, directly connected to, directly joined to, or directly covered by, or there may be an intervening component or layer. In contrast, where a component is referred to as "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly joined to" another component or layer, there is no intervening component or layer. Throughout this specification, similar numbers refer to similar components. Where used herein, the terms "and / or" include any and all combinations of one or more of the enumerated items relating to them.

[0148] In this specification, the terms “first, second, third, etc.” may be used to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts, but it should be understood that these components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or part from other regions, layers, or parts. Accordingly, the first component, part, region, layer, or part described below may be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or part without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiments.

[0149] Spatially relative terms (e.g., “down,” “below,” “underside,” “up,” “top,” etc.) may be used herein to facilitate explanation in describing the relationship between one component or feature and another, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the apparatus in the figure is inverted, a component described as “below” or “below” another component or feature would be oriented “up” the other component or feature. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both upward and downward orientations. The apparatus may also be in other orientations (90° rotated orientation, or other orientations), and spatially relative descriptions used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0150] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit them. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Where used herein, the terms “include,” “have,” “constitute,” and / or “equip,” specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or parts, but should be further understood not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0151] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional views of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, variations from the illustrated shapes are expected, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions illustrated herein, and should include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing.

[0152] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and it will be further understood that they should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so herein.

[0153] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation includes a fragrance (at least one flavoring agent) and / or a non-nicotine compound. In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion and / or gel formulation comprising, but not limited to, water, beads, a solvent, an active ingredient, ethanol, a plant extract, a natural or artificial fragrance, and / or at least one non-nicotine vapor-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0154] Non-nicotine compounds lack nicotine. In exemplary embodiments, non-nicotine compounds do not contain tobacco and are not tobacco-derived compounds. In exemplary embodiments, non-nicotine compounds are cannabis or contain at least one cannabis-derived component. In exemplary embodiments, the cannabis-derived component contains at least one cannabis-derived cannabinoid (e.g., phytocannabinoid, or cannabinoid synthesized by the cannabis plant), at least one cannabis-derived terpene, at least one cannabis-derived flavonoid, or a combination thereof.

[0155] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of a solid, semi-solid, gel, hydrogel, or a combination thereof, or is contained therein, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, or co-mixed or bound therein, a non-nicotine pre-evaporation preparation. In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of a liquid or partial liquid, including an extract, oil, tincture, suspension, dispersion, colloid, alcohol, general non-neutral (weakly acidic or weakly basic) solution, or a combination thereof, or is contained therein, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, or co-mixed or bound therein, a non-nicotine pre-evaporation preparation. In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine pre-evaporation preparation. In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporation preparation is a dispersion, suspension, gel, hydrogel, colloid, or a combination thereof, or a part thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine pre-evaporation preparation.

[0156] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound undergoes a slow, natural decarboxylation process over a long period at low temperatures, including below room temperature (72°F). In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound may undergo a significantly increased decarboxylation process, on the order of 50% or more, if the non-nicotine compound is exposed to high temperatures, particularly in the range of about 175°F or higher, over a period of time (several minutes or hours, at relatively low pressures such as 1 atmosphere). Herein, further high temperatures (above about 240°F) may cause rapid or instantaneous decarboxylation with potentially high decarboxylation rates (above 50%), but temperatures higher than above may cause some or all of the chemical properties of the non-nicotine compound to deteriorate.

[0157] In exemplary embodiments, at least one non-nicotine vaporizing agent of the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation includes a diol (such as propylene glycol and / or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin, and combinations thereof, or partial combinations thereof. Various amounts of the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one non-nicotine vaporizing agent is included in amounts ranging from about 20% by weight to about 90% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation (e.g., the non-nicotine vaporizing agent is in the range of about 50% to about 80%, or about 55% to 75%, or about 60% to 70%). In other examples, in exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporation formulation has a weight ratio of diol to glycerin in the range of about 1:4 to 4:1, where the diol is propylene glycol, or 1,3-propanediol, or a combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, this ratio is about 3:2. Other amounts or ranges may be used.

[0158] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation contains water. Various amounts of water may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the water may be present in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight to about 40% by weight of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation, or in an amount ranging from about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation. Other amounts or proportions may be used. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the remaining part of the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation that is not water (and not a non-nicotine compound and / or flavoring agent) is a non-nicotine vaporizing agent (as described above). Here, the non-nicotine vaporizing agent is 30% to 70% by weight of propylene glycol, and the remainder of the non-nicotine vaporizing agent is glycerin. Other amounts or proportions may be used.

[0159] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation contains at least one flavoring agent in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 15% by weight (for example, the flavoring agent may be in the range of about 1% to 12%, or about 2% to 10%, or about 5% to 8%). In exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring agent contains a volatile cannabis flavor compound (flavonoid). In exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring agent contains a flavor compound instead of, or in addition to, a cannabis flavor compound. In exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring agent may be at least one of a natural flavoring agent, an artificial flavoring agent, or a combination of a natural flavoring agent and an artificial flavoring agent. For example, at least one flavoring agent may contain menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, a combination thereof, and / or extracts thereof. Furthermore, flavoring agents may be included to provide herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nutty flavors, liquor flavors, roasted flavors, mint flavors, savory flavors, a combination thereof, and any other desired flavors.

[0160] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound may be a naturally occurring component of a medicinal plant or a plant having a medically acceptable therapeutic effect. The medicinal plant may be the cannabis plant, and the component may be at least one cannabis-derived component. Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) are an example of cannabis-derived components, and cannabinoids exert various effects by interacting with receptors in the body. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The cannabis-derived material may include leaves and / or flowers from one or more cannabis plants, or extracts from one or more cannabis plants. In exemplary embodiments, one or more species of cannabis plants include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis sulderalis. In some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation includes a mixture of cannabis and / or cannabis-derived components, which may consist of 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica, or derived therefrom.

[0161] Cannabinoids derived from cannabis include tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In exemplary embodiments, heat from the heater 60 may cause decarboxylation, which converts tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and / or decarboxylation, which converts cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in the non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0162] In cases where both tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will cause a decrease in tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via a decarboxylation process during heating of a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation intended for vaporization. Similarly, in cases where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will cause a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD) via a decarboxylation process during heating of a non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation intended for vaporization.

[0163] Non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulations may contain non-nicotine compounds that provide medically recognized therapeutic effects (e.g., treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, or mental disorders). Details of the therapeutic method are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 845,501, filed on 18 December 2017, entitled “Vaporizer and Method for Conveying Compounds Using the Same,” the disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0164] While exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other modifications are possible. Such modifications will not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0165] While exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other modifications are possible. Such modifications will not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device, A non-nicotine container configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation, A wick configured to guide a non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation from the non-nicotine container, A heating element configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation induced from the non-nicotine container, A probe wire along the length of the wick, the probe wire separated from the heating element by the wick, A saturation sensor configured as follows, At a first time point, measure at least one electrical property of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire, wherein the at least one electrical property includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance. In the second time period, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured, wherein the second time period follows the first time period. The aforementioned non-nicotine electron inhalation device, Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time, the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation flows onto the wick is calculated. Determine whether the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate. A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device comprising a control circuit configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate.

2. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between the at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

3. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time, the first impedance is calculated. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time, the second impedance is calculated. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

4. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured. Determine whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electron inhalation device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic in the third time is above a threshold.

5. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured. Determine whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

6. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, the impedance of the wick is calculated. Determine whether the impedance is above a threshold. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electron inhalation device in response to determining that the impedance is above a threshold.

7. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, the impedance of the wick is calculated. Determine whether the impedance is above a threshold. A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the impedance is above the threshold.

8. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, Furthermore, a non-nicotine electronic inhalation device comprising a power supply configured to provide power to the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device.

9. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 1, The probe wire is a stainless steel wire in a non-nicotine electron inhalation device.

10. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device, Outer housing and An inner tube coaxially arranged within the outer housing, A non-nicotine container configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation, comprising a non-nicotine container disposed between the inner tube and the outer housing, A wick configured to guide the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation from the non-nicotine container, A heating element configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation induced from the non-nicotine container, A saturation sensor assembly configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer housing and the inner tube during a first time and a second time, wherein the second time follows the first time, The aforementioned non-nicotine electron inhalation device, Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time, the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation flows onto the wick is calculated. Determine whether the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate. A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device comprising a control circuit configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate.

11. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, Furthermore, the inner tube is equipped with a probe wire on its outer circumference, A non-nicotine electron inhalation device wherein the saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure the at least one electrical property between the outer housing and the inner tube by measuring the at least one electrical property between the outer housing and the probe wire on the outer circumference of the inner tube.

12. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 11, The probe wire is a stainless steel wire in a non-nicotine electron inhalation device.

13. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is configured to cause the non-nicotine electronic inhalation device to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between the at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

14. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. Based on the electrical characteristics at the first time, the first impedance is calculated. Based on the electrical characteristics at the second time, the second impedance is calculated. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to calculate the replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

15. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube is measured. Determine whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electron inhalation device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic in the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold.

16. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube is measured. Determine whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold.

17. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube is measured. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, the impedance of the wick is calculated. Determine whether the impedance is above a threshold. A non-nicotine electron inhalation device configured to disable inhalation in the non-nicotine electron inhalation device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold.

18. In the non-nicotine electron inhalation device according to claim 10, The control circuit is provided to the non-nicotine electron inhalation device. In the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube is measured. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time, the impedance of the wick is calculated. Determine whether the impedance is above a threshold. A non-nicotine electronic inhalation device configured to output a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation warning in response to determining that the impedance is above the threshold.

19. A method for detecting the depletion of non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation in the non-nicotine container of a non-nicotine electronic inhaler, In the first time step, measure at least one electrical property of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire, wherein the at least one electrical property includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance. In the second time period, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured, wherein the second time period follows the first time period. Based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time, the replenishment rate at which the non-nicotine pre-evaporated preparation flows onto the wick is calculated, To determine whether the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate, A method comprising outputting a warning for a low non-nicotine pre-evaporated formulation in response to determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate.

20. In the method according to claim 19, Furthermore, in the third time, the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire is measured, Determining whether the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is above a threshold, A method comprising determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold, and disabling inhalation in the non-nicotine electron inhalation device.

Images