Cartridges for vaporizer devices

Abstract

To provide cartridges for vaporizer devices.SOLUTION: A cartridge can include a reservoir housing, an airflow tube that extends through the reservoir housing, and a folded mesh that is disposed within the airflow tube and includes a plurality of folds. The airflow tube defines a passageway extending therethrough and at least a portion of the airflow tube is permeable to a vaporizable material, in which the permeable portion of the airflow tube is configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the airflow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to receiving an electric current, and when in the activated state, the folded mesh is configured to generate an amount of heat that is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 755,924, filed November 5, 2018, entitled "Cartridges For Vaporizer Devices," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to the extent permitted by law.

[0002] Technical Field The subject matter described herein relates to a vaporizer device that includes a vaporizer cartridge.

[0003] Background technology Vaporizer devices, which may also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used to deliver an aerosol (e.g., a substance in the vapor and / or condensed phase suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gaseous carrier) containing one or more active ingredients, via inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporization device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a type of vaporizer device that is battery-powered and can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without the combustion of tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices are becoming increasingly popular in both prescribed medical uses in the delivery of medications and the consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient to use.

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

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol produced by the vaporizer device, a user may, in certain instances, activate the vaporizer device by puffing, pressing a button, and / or by some other approach. As used herein, a puff refers to an inhalation by a user that draws a volume of air into the vaporizer device, whereby the combination of the vaporized vaporizable material and the air volume produces an inhalable aerosol.

[0006] The vaporizer device may be controlled by one or more controllers, electronic circuits (e.g., sensors, heating elements), and / or the like on the vaporizer device, and may communicate wirelessly with an external controller (e.g., a computing device such as a smartphone).

[0007] Typically, vaporization devices use an atomizer to heat a vaporizable material and provide an inhalable aerosol instead of smoke. The atomizer may include a wicking element. The wicking element transports a quantity of vaporizable material (along its length) to a portion of the atomizer that includes a heating element. In some embodiments, the atomizer includes a mesh. The mesh can be used as a wicking element to draw the vaporizable material into the atomizer, or as a heating element to vaporize the vaporizable material. Therefore, by using a mesh, an additional element is required in the atomizer to draw the vaporizable material into the atomizer or to heat the vaporizable material, depending on how the mesh is used. For example, in an example where a mesh is used as a wicking element, an additional heater is required because the electrical resistance of the mesh is generally low. In another example where a mesh is used as a heating element, an additional wicking element, such as cotton, is required. Therefore, improved vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges that improve or overcome these problems are desired.

[0008] overview Aspects of the present subject matter relate to vaporizer devices and cartridges for use within vaporizer devices.

[0009] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any operable combination.

[0010] In one embodiment, a cartridge is provided, the cartridge including: a reservoir housing configured to hold a vaporizable material; an air flow tube extending through the reservoir housing; and a folded mesh disposed within the air flow tube and including a plurality of folds. The air flow tube defines a passage therethrough, at least a portion of the air flow tube being permeable to the vaporizable material, the permeable portion of the air flow tube being configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the air flow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to the passage of an electric current therethrough, and when in the active state, the folded mesh is configured to generate a sufficient amount of heat to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the permeable portion of the air flow tube can include a plurality of holes.

[0012] The folded mesh can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the folded mesh can extend a mesh length from a first end to a second end, and the mesh length of the folded mesh can be shorter than a predetermined length of the folded mesh in an unfolded state. The folded mesh can have a width greater than a radius of the air flow tube.

[0013] The air flow tube can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the air flow tube can have a tube length extending from a first end to a second end. The tube length can be longer than the mesh length.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an unactuated state, a pressure balance can be created across the permeable portion of the air flow tube between the reservoir housing and the passageway.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an activated state, a pressure differential can be created across the permeable portion of the air flow tube between the reservoir housing and the passageway. When the folded mesh is in an activated state, the pressure differential can be created in response to vaporization of at least a portion of the vaporizable material. In certain embodiments, when a pressure differential is created, the vaporizable material can flow from the reservoir housing into the air flow tube through the permeable portion of the air flow tube.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an unactuated state, a portion of the vaporizable material may reside within the air flow tube.

[0017] In another embodiment, a vaporizer device is provided, the vaporizer device including a vaporizer body and a cartridge selectively coupled to and removable from the vaporizer body. The cartridge includes a reservoir housing configured to hold a vaporizable material, an air flow tube extending through the reservoir housing, and a folded mesh disposed within the air flow tube and including a plurality of folds. The air flow tube defines a passage therethrough, at least a portion of the air flow tube being permeable to the vaporizable material, the permeable portion of the air flow tube being configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the air flow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to the passage of an electric current therethrough, and when in the active state, the folded mesh is configured to generate a sufficient amount of heat to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing.

[0018] The vaporizer body can have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the vaporizer body can include a power source.

[0019] In some embodiments, the permeable portion of the air flow tube can include a plurality of holes.

[0020] The folded mesh can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the folded mesh can extend a mesh length from a first end to a second end, and the mesh length of the folded mesh can be shorter than a predetermined length of the folded mesh in an unfolded state. The folded mesh can have a width greater than a radius of the air flow tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an unactuated state, a pressure balance can be created across the permeable portion of the air flow tube between the reservoir housing and the passageway.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an activated state, a pressure differential can be created across the permeable portion of the air flow tube between the reservoir housing and the passageway. When the folded mesh is in an activated state, the pressure differential can be created in response to vaporization of at least a portion of the vaporizable material. In certain embodiments, when a pressure differential is created, the vaporizable material can flow from the reservoir housing into the air flow tube through the permeable portion of the air flow tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the folded mesh is in an unactuated state, a portion of the vaporizable material may reside within the air flow tube.

[0024] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The claims following this disclosure are intended to define the scope of protected subject matter.

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles related to the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vaporizer device. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a vaporizer device showing the vaporizer cartridge separated from the vaporizer device body. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a top view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 1B showing the vaporizer cartridge coupled to the vaporizer device body. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 1C. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1B. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1D is another perspective view of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1E. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge.

[0027] In the embodiments, like reference numerals indicate like structures, features, or elements.

[0028] Detailed Description Embodiments of the present subject matter include methods, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and systems related to vaporizing one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Exemplary embodiments include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. As used in the following description and claims, the term "vaporizer device" refers to any self-contained device, a device including two or more separable parts (e.g., a vaporizer body including a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge including a vaporizable material), and / or the like. As used herein, a "vaporizer system" can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and / or the like. Generally, such vaporizer devices are handheld devices that heat a vaporizable material (e.g., by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

[0029] The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer device can be provided in a cartridge (e.g., a portion of the vaporizer device that contains the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container), which can be refillable when empty or can be disposable so that a new cartridge containing the same or a different type of additional vaporizable material can be used. The vaporizer device can be a vaporizer device that uses a cartridge, a vaporizer device without a cartridge, or a multi-use vaporizer device that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, the vaporizer device can include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven or other area where the material is heated by a heating element) configured to contain the vaporizable material directly within the heating chamber, a reservoir for containing the vaporizable material, etc.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vaporizer device can be configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material (e.g., a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive ingredients are suspended or held in solution, or the liquid form of the vaporizable material itself). The liquid vaporizable material can be completely vaporized. Alternatively, at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material can remain after all of the material suitable for inhalation has vaporized.

[0031] 1A, the vaporizer device 100 can include a power source 112 (e.g., a battery, which may be rechargeable) and a controller 104 (e.g., a processor capable of executing logic, circuitry, etc.) for controlling the supply of heat to an atomizer 141 to convert the vaporizable material 102 from an condensed form (e.g., a liquid, a solution, a suspension, a portion of at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.) to a gas phase. The controller 104 can be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0032] After conversion of the vaporizable material 102 to the gas phase, at least a portion of the vaporizable material 102 in the gas phase may condense to form particulate matter that is at least partially in local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of the aerosol. The aerosol may form part or all of the inhalable amount provided by the vaporizer device 100 during a user's puffing or inhalation on the vaporizer device 100. It should be understood that the interaction between the gas and condensed phases in the aerosol generated by the vaporizer device 100 may be complex and dynamic due to factors that can affect one or more physical parameters of the aerosol, such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in the airflow path (both within the vaporizer device and within the respiratory tract of a human or other animal), and / or mixing of the vapor or aerosol phase vaporizable material 102 with other airflows. In some vaporizer devices, particularly those configured for delivery of volatile vaporizable materials, the inhalable amount may exist primarily in the gas phase (e.g., condensed phase particle formation may be very limited).

[0033] The atomizer 141 in the vaporizer device 100 can be configured to vaporize the vaporizable material 102. The vaporizable material 102 can be a liquid. Examples of the vaporizable material 102 include a neat liquid, a suspension, a solution, a mixture, and / or the like. The atomizer 141 can include a wicking element (e.g., a wick) configured to transport a predetermined amount of the vaporizable material 102 to a portion of the atomizer 141 that includes a heating element (not shown in FIG. 1A ).

[0034] For example, the wicking element can be configured to draw vaporizable material 102 from a reservoir 140 configured to contain it. In this manner, the vaporizable material 102 can be vaporized by heat provided by the heating element. The wicking element can also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir 140 to replace the volume of vaporizable material 102 that has been removed. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, capillary action can draw the vaporizable material 102 into the wick for vaporization by the heating element, and air can return through the wick to the reservoir 140 to at least partially equalize the pressure within the reservoir 140. Other methods by which air can be returned to the reservoir 140 to equalize pressure are also within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0035] As used herein, the term "wick" or "wicking element" includes any material capable of inducing fluid movement via capillary pressure.

[0036] The heating element may include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and / or a convective heater. One type of heating element is a resistive heating element, which may include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when an electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the atomizer 141 may include a heating element including a resistive coil or other heating element wrapped around a wicking element, disposed within the wicking element, integrated into the bulk shape of the wicking element, press-fitted into thermal contact with the wicking element, or otherwise positioned to transfer heat to the wicking element, such that the vaporizable material 102 is drawn from the reservoir 140 by the wicking element and vaporized into a gas phase and / or condensed phase (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) for subsequent inhalation by the user. Other wicking element, heating element, and / or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible.

[0037] The heating element may be activated when a user puffs (e.g., inhales, snores, etc.) on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer device 100. The puff causes air to flow along an air flow path from an air inlet through the atomizer 141 (i.e., the wicking element and the heating element). Optionally, the air may flow from the air inlet through one or more condensation regions or chambers to an air outlet in the mouthpiece 130. Incoming air flowing along the air flow path passes through or through the atomizer 141, where the vaporizable material 102 in the gas phase is entrained in the air. The heating element may be activated via a controller 104, which may optionally be part of the vaporizer body 110 as described herein. The controller 104 passes current from the power source 112 to a circuit including the resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may optionally be part of the vaporizer cartridge 120 as described herein. As described herein, the mixed gas-phase vaporizable material 102 may condense as it passes through the remainder of the air flow path, thereby allowing an inhalable amount of vaporizable material 102 in aerosol form to be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., mouthpiece 130) for inhalation by the user.

[0038] Activation of the heating element may also be accomplished by automatic detection of a puff based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113. These sensors 113 and signals generated by sensors 113 may include one or more pressure sensors positioned to detect pressure along the airflow path relative to ambient pressure (or optionally to measure changes in absolute pressure), one or more motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers) in vaporizer device 100, one or more flow sensors in vaporizer device 100, a capacitive lip sensor in vaporizer device 100, detection of user interaction with vaporizer device 100 via one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons on vaporizer device 100 or other tactile control devices), receiving a signal from a computing device in communication with vaporizer device 100, and / or other approaches for determining that a puff is occurring or about to occur.

[0039] As described herein, a vaporizer device 100 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to one computing device (or optionally two or more devices) that communicate with the vaporizer device 100. To this end, the controller 104 may include communications hardware 105. The controller 104 may also include memory 108. The communications hardware 105 may include firmware and / or may be controlled by software to implement one or more encryption protocols for communications.

[0040] The computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 100 and may include specific communications hardware capable of establishing a wireless communication channel with the communications hardware 105 of the vaporizer device 100. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or other portable device, such as a smartwatch). The general-purpose computing device executes software that generates a user interface that allows a user to interact with the vaporizer device 100. In other embodiments of the present subject matter, such a device used as part of a vaporizer system may be a dedicated piece of hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device, having one or more physical or soft interface controls (i.e., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch panel or other input device, such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, etc.). The vaporizer device 100 may also include one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to a user. For example, the output 117 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on the status and / or operational mode of the vaporizer device 100.

[0041] In examples where a computing device provides signals related to activation of the resistive heating element, or in other examples where vaporizer device 100 is coupled to a computing device for performing various control or other functions, the computing device executes one or more sets of computer instructions to provide the user interface and underlying data processing. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements causes the computing device to send a signal to vaporizer device 100 to activate the heating element and reach an operating temperature for generating an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of vaporizer device 100 may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device that communicates with vaporizer device 100.

[0042] The temperature of the resistive heating element of the vaporizer device 100 may depend on several factors, including the amount of power supplied to the resistive heating element and / or the duty cycle at which power is supplied, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic vaporizer device 100 and / or the environment, latent heat losses across the wicking element and / or atomizer 141 due to the vaporization of the vaporizable material 102, and convective heat losses due to airflow (i.e., air moving across the heating element or atomizer 141 when a user inhales on the vaporizer device 100). As described herein, to ensure activation of the heating element or to heat the heating element to a desired temperature, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device 100 may utilize a signal from a sensor 113 (e.g., a pressure sensor) to determine the time the user is inhaling. The sensor 113 may be positioned in the air flow path and / or connected (e.g., by a passageway or other flow path) to an air flow path that includes an inlet for air entering the vaporizer device 100 and an outlet for the user to inhale the resulting vapor and / or aerosol. The sensor 113 thereby detects changes (e.g., pressure changes) associated with the flow of air from the air inlet to the air outlet through the vaporizer device 100. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the heating element may be activated in conjunction with a user's puff, for example, by automatic detection of the puff, or by the sensor 113 detecting a change (such as a pressure change) in the air flow path.

[0043] The sensor 113 may be located on the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board) or may be coupled to the controller 104 (i.e., electrically or electronically connected via a physical or wireless connection). To accurately perform measurements and maintain the durability of the vaporizer device 100, it may be beneficial to provide a seal 127 that is sufficiently resilient to isolate the airflow path from other portions of the vaporizer device 100. The seal 127, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the sensor 113, thereby isolating the connection of the sensor 113 to the internal circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 from the portion of the sensor 113 exposed to the airflow path. In the example of a cartridge-based vaporizer device, the seal 127 may also isolate a portion of one or more electrical connections between the vaporizer body 110 and the vaporizer cartridge 120. Such placement of the seal 127 within the vaporizer device 100 may help mitigate potentially destructive effects on vaporizer components due to interaction with environmental factors, such as water in the vapor or liquid phase or other fluids, such as the vaporizable material 102, and / or may help reduce air leakage from certain air flow paths within the vaporizer device 100. Unwanted air, liquid, or other fluids passing through and / or contacting the circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 may cause various undesirable effects, such as changes in pressure readings, and / or may result in the deposition of undesirable materials, such as moisture, excess vaporizable material 102, etc., in portions of the vaporizer device 100, which may result in poor pressure signals, degradation of the sensor 113 or other components, and / or a reduced lifespan of the vaporizer device 100. A leak at the seal 127 may also result in a user inhaling air that contains or flows through portions of the vaporizer device 100 that may be undesirable for inhalation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 110 includes the controller 104, a power source 112 (e.g., a battery), one or more sensors 113, charging contacts (e.g., for charging the power source 112), a seal 127, and a cartridge receptacle 118. The cartridge receptacle 118 is configured to receive a vaporizer cartridge 120 that couples with the vaporizer body 110 via one or more various attachment structures. In some examples, the vaporizer cartridge 120 includes a reservoir 140 for containing the vaporizable material 102 and a mouthpiece 130 having an aerosol outlet for delivering an inhalable dose to a user. The vaporizer cartridge 120 can include an atomizer 141 having a wicking element and a heating element. Alternatively, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element can be part of the vaporizer body 110. In embodiments in which any portion of the atomizer 141 (i.e., the heating element and / or the wicking element) is part of the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer device 100 may be configured to supply vaporizable material 102 from a reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge 120 to one or more portions of the atomizer 141 included in the vaporizer body 110.

[0045] In an embodiment of the vaporizer device 100 configured such that the power supply 112 is part of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element is disposed within the vaporizer cartridge 120 and coupled to the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer device 100 can include multiple electrical connection features (e.g., means for completing a circuit) that complete a circuit including the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, microcontroller, etc.), the power supply 112, and the heating element (e.g., a heating element within the atomizer 141). These electrical connection features can include one or more contacts on the underside of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (referred to herein as cartridge contacts 124a and 124b) and at least two contacts (referred to herein as receptacle contacts 125a and 125b) located near the base of the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer device 100, where the cartridge contacts 124a and 124b and the receptacle contacts 125a and 125b electrically connect when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into and mated with the cartridge receptacle 118. The circuit completed by these electrical connections allows current to be supplied to the heating element and can further be utilized for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the heating element for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the heating element based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cartridge contacts 124a and 124b and the receptacle contacts 125a and 125b can be configured to be electrically connected in either of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits required for operation of the vaporizer device 100 can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a first rotational orientation (about the axis of insertion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110), whereby cartridge contacts 124a are electrically connected to receptacle contacts 125a and cartridge contacts 124b are electrically connected to receptacle contacts 125b. Furthermore, one or more circuits required for operation of the vaporizer device 100 can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation, whereby cartridge contacts 124a are electrically connected to receptacle contacts 125b and cartridge contacts 124b are electrically connected to receptacle contacts 125a.

[0047] For example, the vaporizer cartridge 120, or at least the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120, may be symmetrical when rotated 180 degrees about the axis along which the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118. In such a configuration, the circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 can support the same operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the vaporizer cartridge 120 occurs.

[0048] In one example of an attachment structure for coupling the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer body 110 includes one or more detents (e.g., indentations, protrusions, etc.) that protrude inward from the inner surface of the cartridge receptacle 118, additional material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) formed to include a portion that protrudes into the cartridge receptacle 118, and / or the like. One or more outer surfaces of the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include corresponding recesses (not shown in FIG. 1A ) that may fit and / or otherwise snap onto such detents or protrusions when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. When the vaporizer cartridge 120 and vaporizer body 110 are coupled (e.g., by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110), detents or protrusions on the vaporizer body 110 may fit and / or be otherwise retained within recesses in the vaporizer cartridge 120 to hold the vaporizer cartridge 120 in place during assembly. Such an assembly may provide sufficient support to hold the vaporizer cartridge 120 in a position that ensures good contact between the cartridge contacts 124a, 124b and the receptacle contacts 125a, 125b, while allowing the vaporizer cartridge 120 to disengage from the vaporizer body 110 when a user applies a moderate amount of force to pull on the vaporizer cartridge 120 to remove it from the cartridge receptacle 118.

[0049] In some embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 120, or at least the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 configured for insertion into the cartridge receptacle 118, can have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the axis of insertion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118. For example, the non-circular cross-section can be an approximately rectangular shape, an approximately elliptical shape (i.e., an approximately oval shape), a non-rectangular shape having two sets of parallel or nearly parallel opposing sides but not a rectangle (i.e., having a parallelogram-like shape), or other shape with at least two-fold symmetry. In this context, approximately shaped indicates that the basic similarity to the described shape is clear, but the sides of the shape in question need not be perfectly straight and the apexes need not be perfectly sharp. Rounding of the edges and / or apexes of the cross-sectional shape is described as any non-circular cross-section referred to herein.

[0050] The cartridge contacts 124a, 124b and receptacle contacts 125a, 125b can take a variety of forms. For example, one or both sets of contacts can include conductive pins, tabs, terminals, receiving holes for pins or terminals, or the like. Some types of contacts can include springs or other features to facilitate better physical and electrical connection between the contacts on the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the contacts on the vaporizer body 110. The electrical contacts can optionally be gold plated and / or include other materials.

[0051] 1B-1D illustrate an embodiment of a vaporizer body 110 having a cartridge receptacle 118 into which a vaporizer cartridge 120 can be removably inserted. FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate plan views of the vaporizer device 100, showing the vaporizer cartridge 120 positioned for insertion into the vaporizer body 110 and inserted into the vaporizer body 110, respectively. FIG. 1D illustrates the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 formed in whole or in part from a translucent material such that the fill level of the vaporizable material 102 is visible through a window 132 (e.g., the translucent material) along the vaporizer cartridge 120. The vaporizer cartridge 120 can be configured such that the window 132 remains visible when insertably received by the vaporizer cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the window 132 may be located between the lower edge of the mouthpiece 130 and the upper edge of the vaporizer body 110 when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is coupled to the cartridge receptacle 118.

[0052] FIG. 1E shows an example of an air flow path 134 formed while a user puffs on the vaporizer device 100. The air flow path 134 can direct air to a vaporization chamber 150 (see FIG. 1F) contained within the wick housing, where the air mixes with the inhalable aerosol delivered to the user via the mouthpiece 130. The mouthpiece 130 may be part of the vaporizer cartridge 120. For example, when a user puffs on the vaporizer device 100, air can pass between the exterior surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (e.g., the window 132 shown in FIG. 1D) and the interior surface of the cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. The air is then drawn into the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120, passes through the vaporization chamber 150, which includes or houses a heating element and a wick, and exits through an outlet 136 in the mouthpiece 130 to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1E, this configuration allows air to flow down around the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118, then back in the opposite direction around the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (e.g., the end opposite the end containing the mouthpiece 130) as it enters the cartridge body toward the vaporization chamber 150. The air flow path 134 then extends through the interior of the vaporizer cartridge 120, for example, via one or more tubes or internal passages (such as the cannula 128 shown in FIG. 1F), and through one or more outlets (such as the outlet 136) formed in the mouthpiece 130. The mouthpiece 130 may be a separable component of the vaporizer cartridge 120 or may be integrally formed with other components of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (e.g., formed as a unitary structure with the reservoir 140 and / or the like).

[0054] FIG. 1F illustrates additional features that may be included in a vaporizer cartridge 120 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. For example, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include multiple cartridge contacts (such as cartridge contacts 124a and 124b) disposed at the insertable end 122. Cartridge contacts 124a and 124b may optionally each be part of a single metal piece forming a conductor structure (such as conductor structure 126) connected to one of two ends of a resistive heating element. The conductor structure may optionally be formed on the opposite side of the heating chamber and may function as a heat shield and / or heat sink to reduce heat transfer to the outer wall of the vaporizer cartridge 120. Also illustrated in FIG. 1F is a cannula 128 within the vaporizer cartridge 120. This cannula defines a portion of an airflow passage 134 between the heating chamber and the conductor structure 126, which is formed between the conductor structure 126 and the mouthpiece 130.

[0055] As described above, existing vaporizer devices may include an atomizer that includes a separate wicking element and a heating element to ultimately vaporize the vaporizable material to form a vaporized material. The wicking element draws the vaporizable material over a length. Thus, the wicking distance depends on the length of the wicking element itself, among other possible factors. Furthermore, the wicking distance may affect the ability of the vaporizer device to vaporize a desired amount of vaporizable material, such as when a user puffs on the vaporizer device.

[0056] In examples where the atomizer includes a mesh, the mesh can function as either a wicking element or a heating element. Because mesh typically has low electrical resistance, when used as a heating element, a large amount of mesh (along its length) is required to provide sufficient electrical resistance for heating, such as ohmic heating. Under these circumstances, the mesh would not be suitable to also function as a wicking element because the mesh length would result in an excessively long wicking distance over which the vaporizable material must travel for vaporization. In contrast, if the mesh length were adjusted to accommodate an appropriate wicking distance, the resulting mesh would not have a sufficient amount of electrical resistance to also be used for heating, such as ohmic heating. Thus, because the electrical and capillary pathways in the mesh are not independent of each other, these meshes cannot be used as elements for combined wicking and heating atomizers. Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below.

[0057] The vaporizer cartridges described herein use a combined wicking and heating element, eliminating the need for two separate components to achieve both suction and vaporization of the vaporizable material. The combined wicking and heating element is a mesh, which is sized to provide a suitable length for both wicking and heating. As described in more detail below, the mesh is in a folded configuration and is positioned inside an airflow tube. The airflow tube extends through a reservoir housing in which the vaporizable material is disposed. The mesh is configured to reduce the wicking distance while maintaining sufficient length for heating. That is, the meshes described herein have separate electrical and capillary pathways that allow the mesh to function as both a wicking element and a heating element.

[0058] Generally, the cartridge includes an air flow tube extending through the reservoir housing and a folded mesh disposed within the air flow tube. At least a portion of the air flow tube may be permeable to the vaporizable material, and the permeable portion of the air flow tube may be configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the air flow tube for vaporization. The permeable portion of the air flow tube may include a plurality of holes. The folded mesh may include a plurality of folds. The folded mesh may be configured to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to receiving an electric current. When in the active state, the folded mesh may be configured to generate a sufficient amount of heat to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing. As used herein, the term "reservoir housing" is used synonymously with "reservoir."

[0059] 2 illustrates an example vaporizer cartridge 200. The vaporizer cartridge 200 is selectively connectable to and detachable from a vaporizer body, such as the vaporizer body 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D. More specifically, the cartridge 200 includes a reservoir housing 202, an air flow tube 216 extending through the reservoir housing 202, and a folded mesh 228 disposed within the air flow tube 216. For simplicity, some components of the cartridge 200 are not illustrated.

[0060] While the reservoir housing 202 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, the reservoir housing 202 as shown in FIG. 2 has a substantially rectangular shape. The reservoir housing 202 is configured to hold a vaporizable material 204. As shown, a gasket 206 is disposed within the reservoir housing 202, and the gasket is configured to substantially control the vaporizable material 204 within the reservoir housing 202. Furthermore, a headspace 208 exists between the gasket 206 and the top wall 202a of the reservoir housing 202. Thus, the gasket 206 separates the vaporizable material 204 from the headspace 208. The gasket can have a variety of configurations, such as a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the substantially rectangular shape is attached to the interior of the reservoir housing 202 and is sized to allow an airflow tube to pass therethrough. In another embodiment, the gasket 206 may be omitted.

[0061] In some embodiments, reservoir housing 202 can include one or more vents, such as vent 210 as shown in FIG. 2. The vents are configured to substantially allow air to pass from the ambient air into reservoir housing 202, thereby substantially maintaining an internal pressure (e.g., an internal pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure) within reservoir housing 202. As such, one or more vents can function as one-way valves and thus can be used to reduce or eliminate negative pressure created when vaporizable material 204 flows out of reservoir housing 202.

[0062] 2, alternatively or additionally, reservoir housing 202 can include valve 214. Valve 214 is configured to permit airflow into reservoir housing 202. Valve 214 can also be configured to substantially prevent airflow from exiting reservoir housing 202. As such, valve 214 can be configured as a one-way valve. Valve 214 can be a passive valve or an active valve. Valve 214 can be mechanically and / or electronically controlled. Various configurations of valve 214 are contemplated herein.

[0063] 2, the air flow tube 216 extends through the reservoir housing 202. Although the air flow tube 216 is shown generally concentric about a longitudinal axis extending through the center of gravity of the reservoir housing 202, this location is not required. Accordingly, other locations for the air flow tube 216 within the reservoir housing 202 are contemplated herein. Additionally, other airflow configurations through the reservoir housing 202 are also contemplated herein.

[0064] The air flow tube 216 can have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the air flow tube 216 has a length (L ) from a first end 216 a to a second end 216 b. T) and is defined by curved sidewalls 218a and bottom wall 218b. The length of air flow tube 216 is also referred to herein as the tube length. Air flow tube 216 further defines a passageway 220 therethrough. Air flow passageway 220 is configured to direct air, shown as arrow 222, through air flow tube 216, whereby air 222 mixes with vaporized material to form an aerosol, shown as arrow 223. Air flow passageway 220 further directs aerosol 223 through a first end 216a (e.g., outlet) of air flow tube 216 and into a mouthpiece 232 coupled to vaporizer cartridge 200 for user inhalation. Although a mouthpiece 232 is shown in FIG. 2, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the mouthpiece 232 may be omitted and the user may puff directly on the cartridge 200 at an outlet (such as the first end 216a of the air flow tube 216).

[0065] As shown, when a user puffs on the mouthpiece 232, air 222 flows into the air flow tube 216 through the bottom wall 218b. Accordingly, the bottom wall 218b is configured to allow airflow to easily pass through and into the air flow tube 216. While the bottom wall 218b can have a variety of configurations, the bottom wall 218b as shown in FIG. 2 is perforated. The perforations can be of any suitable size that allows air to pass through the bottom wall 218b. In certain embodiments, the size of the perforations can substantially prevent any vaporizable material 204 and / or aerosol 223 present in the air flow tube 216 from passing through the bottom wall 218b. In this manner, unwanted leakage into another portion of the vaporizer body, such as the vaporizer body 110 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D coupled to the vaporizer cartridge 200, can be prevented. The bottom wall 218b can include any suitable number of perforations. Accordingly, the number of perforations is not limited by that shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom wall 218b can be formed from an air permeable material, and thus serves as an air inlet for the air flow tube 216.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 , air flow conduit 216 may further include valve 224. Valve 224 is configured to allow airflow into air flow conduit 216 through bottom wall 218 b. Valve 224 may also be configured to substantially prevent vaporizable material 204 within air flow conduit 216 from leaking through bottom wall 218 b. Alternatively or additionally, valve 224 may be configured to prevent air 222 and / or aerosol 223 within air flow conduit 216 from passing through bottom wall 218 b. As such, valve 224 may be configured as a one-way valve. Valve 224 may be mechanically and / or electronically controlled. Various configurations of valve 224 are contemplated herein.

[0067] Additionally, at least a portion of curved sidewall 218a of air flow tube 216 may be permeable to vaporizable material 204. While the permeable portion of curved sidewall 218a can have a variety of configurations, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the permeable portion includes a plurality of holes 226 extending through curved sidewall 218a. As described in more detail below, these plurality of holes 226 may be configured to draw vaporizable material 204 from reservoir housing 202 into air flow tube 216 and, consequently, into air flow tube passageway 220 for vaporization by folded mesh 228. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of holes 226 extend through curved sidewall 218a of air flow tube 216 to form a flow passageway extending between reservoir housing 202 and passageway 220 defined by air flow tube 216. Additionally, the plurality of holes 226 may have a variety of diameters. This diameter substantially allows vaporizable material 204 to flow from reservoir housing 202 into air flow tube 216 until pressure equalization is reached (e.g., when the pressure inside reservoir housing 202 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure outside reservoir housing 202). Alternatively, curved sidewall 218a of air flow tube 216 may be formed from a permeable material.

[0068] The holes 226 may be positioned along any portion of the curved sidewall 218a. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the holes 226 are positioned near the bottom wall 218b of the air flow tube 216. Although the holes 226 are shown equidistant from one another, in other embodiments, the holes 226 may be spaced different distances from one another and / or from the bottom wall 218b of the air flow tube 216.

[0069] As described above, folded mesh 228 is disposed within air flow tube 216. Folded mesh 228 may be configured to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to receiving an electrical current. Furthermore, folded mesh 228 may be configured, when in the active state, to generate a sufficient amount of heat to vaporize at least a portion of vaporizable material 204 drawn from reservoir housing 202 through plurality of holes 226 and into air flow tube 216.

[0070] The folded mesh 228 can have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown, the folded mesh 228 includes a plurality of folds 230. Thus, the folded mesh 228 is formed from an unfolded mesh having a predetermined length. The mesh has a sufficient amount of electrical resistance suitable for heating, such as ohmic heating. The folding reduces the length of the unfolded mesh but increases the width of the unfolded mesh to form the folded mesh 228. The increased width can form capillary paths along the width of the folded mesh 228. As a result, the folded mesh 228 includes electrical paths extending along its length and capillary paths extending along its width. The folded mesh 228 has a length (L ) extending from a first end 228a to an opposite second end 228b. M ) and the width extending between adjacent folds (W M ) The folded mesh 228 may be formed from any suitable material capable of conducting electrical current. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include stainless steel. In one embodiment, the folded mesh 228 is a concertina-shaped stainless steel mesh.

[0071] The folded mesh 228 may be positioned within any portion of the air flow tube 216. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the folded mesh 228 is generally concentric with a longitudinal axis (L) that extends through the center of gravity of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow tube 216. In other embodiments, the folded mesh 228 may be offset from the center of gravity. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the folded mesh 228 may be approximately 0.05 mm. M ) is greater than the radius (R) of the air flow tube 216, for example as shown in FIG.

[0072] Additionally, folded mesh 228 extends along at least a portion of the length of air flow tube 216. For example, as shown in Figure 2, folded mesh 228 extends along at least the portion of air flow tube 216 that has holes 226. In some embodiments, the length of folded mesh 228 can be less than the length of air flow tube 216. In other embodiments, the length of folded mesh 228 can be equal to the length of air flow tube 216.

[0073] In some embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 200 includes two or more cartridge contacts, such as a first cartridge contact 229a and a second cartridge contact 229b. The two or more cartridge contacts may be configured to couple to, for example, receptacle contacts 125a, 125b, to form one or more electrical connections with the vaporizer body 110. A circuit completed by these electrical connections may enable current to be supplied to the folded mesh 228. This circuit may also provide additional functionality, such as measuring the resistance of the folded mesh 228 for use in determining and / or controlling the folded mesh 228 based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the folded mesh 228.

[0074] In use, when folded mesh 228 is in an inactivated state, a pressure equilibrium can be created across at least a portion of the plurality of holes 226 between reservoir housing 202 and passageway 220 of air flow tube 216. Thus, when folded mesh 228 is in an inactivated state, a portion of vaporizable material 204 can be present within air flow tube 216. Folded mesh 228 can be activated (changed from an inactivated state to an activated state) in response to an electric current applied via a power source (not shown). When activated, folded mesh 228 generates heat. This heat vaporizes at least a portion of vaporizable material 204 in contact with, and possibly adjacent to, folded mesh 228 into vaporized material. This vaporized material then mixes with air 222 flowing through passageway 220 of air flow tube 216 and consequently passing between the plurality of folds 230 of folded mesh 228 to form aerosol 223. Alternatively or additionally, the air 222 can pass through the folded mesh 228 itself.

[0075] When folded mesh 228 is in an activated state (e.g., in response to vaporization of at least a portion of vaporizable material 204 within air flow conduit 216 when folded mesh 228 is in an activated state), a pressure differential may be created across at least a portion of plurality of holes 226 between reservoir housing 202 and passageway 220 of air flow conduit 216. Note that this pressure differential may exist regardless of whether folded mesh 228 is in an activated or deactivated state. When a pressure differential is created, vaporizable material 204 may flow from reservoir housing 202, through plurality of holes 226, and into air flow conduit 216.

[0076] term For purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it should be noted that, unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" is used herein to express the degree of inherent uncertainty that may result from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also used herein to express the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated standard without resulting in a change in the basic functionality of the subject matter in question.

[0077] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, the feature or element can be directly on top of the other feature or element, or there may be intervening features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. Also, when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it will be understood that the feature or element can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there may be intervening features or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements.

[0078] Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated may be applicable to other embodiments. Also, those skilled in the art will understand that references to structures or features being located "adjacent" to another feature may have overlapping or underlying portions with the adjacent feature.

[0079] The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples and embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular indefinite and definite articles are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0080] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear following a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context of use, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other listed elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B," respectively. A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A, B, and C," respectively. Use of the term "based on" in the description above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0081] Spatially relative terms such as "front," "back," "below," "belowside," "bottom," "upper," "above," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features, as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were inverted, then an element described as "below" or "directly beneath" another element or feature would be oriented "above" that other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an upward and downward orientation. A device may be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or at another orientation), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward," "downward," "vertically," "horizontally," and the like are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0082] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements are not intended to be limited by these terms unless the context dictates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, a first feature / element described below could be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element described below could be referred to as a first feature / element, without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0083] Unless otherwise specified, including when used in the examples, all numbers used in this specification and claims can be read as if preceded by the words "about" or "approximately," even if these terms do not explicitly appear. When describing a size and / or location, these terms "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the stated value and / or location is within a reasonable expected range of that value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may include values ​​such as + / - 0.1% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the given value (or range of values), and + / - 10% of the given value (or range of values). Any numerical value given herein should be understood to include values ​​near or approximately the same value, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical ranges recited herein are intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that where a value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" that value, "greater than or equal to" that value, and possible ranges therebetween, as would be appropriately understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, are also disclosed. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., X is a number) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, data is provided in many different formats, and that this data represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of these data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it is understood that greater than 10 and 15, greater than or equal to 10 and 15, less than 10 and 15, less than or equal to 10 and 15, and equal to 10 and 15 are also considered disclosed, as is the range between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two specified units is disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0084] While various illustrative embodiments have been described above, any of numerous modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Accordingly, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0085] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be specialized or general-purpose, coupled to receive and transmit data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communications network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0086] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logic programming language, and / or an assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, and a programmable logic device (PLD). The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions non-transitoryly, such as a non-transitory solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. Alternatively or additionally, the machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions temporarily, such as a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0087] The examples and drawings included herein illustrate, by way of illustration, not limitation, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. As noted above, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the present subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention" for convenience only, if more than one is actually disclosed, and are not intended to spontaneously limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept. Thus, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment illustrated. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments with other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The use of the term "based on" in the description and claims herein is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0088] The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods, and / or articles, depending on the desired configuration. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Rather, the embodiments set forth in the foregoing description are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. While several variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the embodiments described herein may refer to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of several additional features disclosed herein. Furthermore, the logic flows illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order or sequence shown to achieve desired results. Other embodiments may also be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, comprising: The cartridge comprises: a reservoir housing configured to hold a vaporizable material; an air flow tube extending through the reservoir housing, the air flow tube defining a passage therethrough; a combination wicking and heating element disposed within an interior portion of the passage of the air flow tube; Equipped with the combination wicking and heating element is configured to draw the vaporizable material directly from the reservoir housing and vaporize at least a portion of the drawn vaporizable material into a vaporized material; the wicking and heating element has a width in a radial direction of the air flow tube and a length in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction; the width of the combined wicking and heating element is approximately equal to the diameter of the air flow tube; the length of the combined wicking and heating element is greater than the width; A cartridge wherein the capillary pathway of the combination wicking and heating element extends along the width and the electrical pathway of the combination wicking and heating element extends along the length.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the air flow tube comprises a plurality of holes.

3. the air flow tube is defined by a side wall and a bottom wall; The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of holes extend through the side wall.

4. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the air flow tube is permeable to the vaporizable material.

5. the air flow tube has a tube length extending from a first end to a second end; The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the tube length is greater than the length of the combined wicking and heating element.

6. The cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising a gasket disposed within the reservoir housing.

7. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir housing includes one or more vents configured to allow air to pass into the reservoir housing to maintain an internal pressure in the reservoir housing.

8. A vaporizer body; The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Equipped with A vaporizer device, wherein the cartridge is selectively connectable to and removable from the vaporizer body.

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