Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid

Abstract

An electronic device includes a mouthpiece, a capsule, and a mesh assembly having a mesh material and a piezoelectric material. The mesh material is in contact with a liquid in the capsule. The mouthpiece, the capsule, and the mesh assembly are located linearly along a longitudinal axis of the device between opposite longitudinal ends of the device, wherein the mesh assembly extends between the mouthpiece and the capsule and separates the mouthpiece from the capsule.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Copyright Statement

[0002] All materials in this patent document are protected by copyright laws in the United States and other countries. The copyright holder does not object to anyone facsimile copying the patent document or patent disclosure appearing in official government records, but reserves all other copyrights in all other circumstances.

[0003] The present invention generally relates to apparatus, systems and methods for generating aerosols for human inhalation (whether intended for personal or recreational use or for pharmaceutical administration). [Previous Technology]

[0004] The popularity of e-cigarettes has increased rapidly, primarily because they offer a convenient, precise, and potentially milder way to self-administer nicotine, cannabis, drugs, or other micronutrients. In fact, e-cigarettes are generally considered healthier than cigarettes; they are claimed to allow smokers to avoid inhaling the dangerous chemicals from regular cigarettes while still obtaining nicotine. E-cigarettes can also be used with cannabis.

[0005] Using a vaporizer to perform e-cigarette use. Vaporizers include e-cigarette pens or cigarette-style e-cigarettes, often referred to as e-cigarettes or "eCigs." E-cigarette pens are typically long, thin, and stylized tubes resembling fancy pens. In contrast, e-cigarettes resemble actual cigarettes. E-cigarettes are generally smaller (usually smaller and more sophisticated than e-cigarette pens), portable, and easy to use.

[0006] A common vaporizer includes a container, which may be a refillable tank or a disposable, non-refillable cartridge. The tank or cartridge holds a liquid often referred to as e-liquid or e-juice. Tanks are typically made of polycarbonate plastic, glass, or stainless steel. The vaporizer also includes: a mouthpiece for inhalation via the mouth; an atomizer containing tiny heating elements that convert the liquid into tiny air-buoyant droplets for inhalation; and a controller for turning on the atomizer. Many e-cigarette pens are activated via the mouth and turn on automatically when inhaled. Other e-cigarette pens are button-activated and require the user to push the button to activate the atomizer. Vaporizers are powered by one or more batteries. The batteries are typically rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and are primarily used to heat the heating elements of the atomizer. A charger is usually included with the purchase of a vaporizer for charging the batteries. The charger can be a USB charger, car charger, or wall charger, and such chargers are generally similar to mobile phone chargers.

[0007] Battery-powered vaporizers produce vapor from any of a variety of liquids and liquid mixtures (especially liquids and liquid mixtures containing nicotine or cannabinoids). Many different types and flavorings are available. Furthermore, the liquid may be non-medicinal (i.e., nicotine-free or otherwise non-toxic – containing only pure vegetable glycerin and flavorings), or may contain nicotine, or even, in some cases, legally and where permitted, may contain THC / CBD. The liquid may also contain one or more of a variety of flavorings and micronutrients (such as vitamin B12). Liquids can be mixed for use with electronic vaping devices. Vaporizers are typically purchased with pre-filled cartridges. A heating element transforms the contents of the liquid into an aerosol (vapor) inhaled into the lungs and subsequently exhaled. One of the most common vaporizers today is probably known as the "JUUL," a small, elegantly designed device similar to a computer USB flash drive.

[0008] It is believed that while vaping is promoted as healthier than traditional cigarettes, it may actually be more dangerous. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and combinations thereof, or methylated forms, are chemicals often mixed with nicotine, cannabis, or cannabis oil for use in vaporizers. Propylene glycol is the main component in most nicotine-infused e-cigarette liquids. Unfortunately, at high temperatures, propylene glycol transforms into tiny polymers that can damage lung tissue. In detail, scientists know a great deal about propylene glycol. It is found in many common household items (cosmetics, baby wipes, medications, pet food, antifreeze, etc.). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have deemed propylene glycol safe for human ingestion and topical application. However, inhalation exposure is another matter. Many things are safe to eat but dangerous to inhale. Due to its low oral toxicity, propylene glycol is classified by the FDA as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use as a food additive, but this assessment is based on toxicity studies that do not involve heating or inhaling propylene glycol. In fact, a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that propylene glycol circulating indoors can induce or worsen asthma, eczema, and many allergy symptoms. Children are reportedly particularly sensitive to these airborne toxins. Earlier toxicology reviews warned that propylene glycol, commonly found in hairspray, can be harmful because aerosol particles can remain deep in the lungs and cannot be inhaled.

[0009] Furthermore, the potential harm from inhalation exposure increases when propylene glycol is heated by the incandescent metal coil of the vaporizer's heating element or otherwise. It is believed that high-voltage heating converts propylene glycol and other e-cigarette additives into carbonyl groups. Carbonyl groups are groups containing carcinogenic chemicals, including formaldehyde, which has been linked to spontaneous abortion and low birth weight. The known thermal decomposition product of propylene glycol (formaldehyde) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer!

[0010] Flavorings commonly found in nicotine e-cigarette products, and in some e-liquid cartridges, pose additional risks when inhaled rather than ingested. When inhaled into tobacco e-cigarette devices, smooth and creamy flavoring compounds (diacetyl and acetylpropionic acid) have been associated with respiratory illnesses. Another flavoring compound that is dangerous when inhaled but safe to ingest is Ceylon cinnamon, which becomes a cytotoxic substance upon atomization.

[0011] When the heating element in the vaporizer becomes incandescent, the liquid undergoes a process called "smoldering," which is a technical term equivalent to "combustion." At the same time, a large amount of liquid is vaporized and atomized, and a portion of the liquid undergoes pyrolysis or combustion. In this sense, most vaporizers that have flooded the commercial market may not be true vaporizers.

[0012] Therefore, it should be understood that as the use of heated inhalation delivery systems becomes more common, concerns about their short-term and long-term safety have become a focus. This is especially true for e-cigarettes, where there are ongoing concerns about the presence of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in the inhaled vapor.

[0013] Furthermore, the lungs' clearance mechanisms (such as all major points of contact with the external environment) have evolved to prevent unwanted airborne particles from entering the body. Respiratory geometry, humidity, and clearance mechanisms contribute to this filtration process. Inhalation delivery systems often fail to deliver the desired effect to the user because the pre-vaporized liquid becomes unstable over time or the active ingredient itself is not properly sized or dispersed to deposit in the alveoli. This is not only a problem with e-cigarettes but also with other inhalation delivery systems that play an increasingly important role in targeting active ingredients to the human lung system. This applies to both medical purposes, such as targeting anticancer drugs to the lungs, and recreational / personal purposes, such as e-cigarette use.

[0014] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a vaporizer that contains the desired chemical substance but not harmful byproducts caused by smoldering. There is also a need for a vaporizer that effectively and efficiently generates a vapor cloud that is not inhibited by the body's natural filtration processes. Furthermore, there is a need for an active ingredient delivery system that improves the shelf life of the pre-vaporized liquid component and enhances the efficacy of the desired therapeutic / effect, while avoiding the presence of undesirable HPHCs in the inhaled vapor. It is believed that according to one or more embodiments and features of the present invention, one or more individual examples meet one or more of these needs and other requirements. [Summary of the Invention]

[0015] This invention includes many aspects and features, and is generally related to devices, systems, formulations, and methods for atomizing and inhaling liquids via a personal electronic device, whether intended for personal or recreational use or for drug delivery. Furthermore, while many aspects and features are described within the context of e-cigarette use, the invention is not limited to this context. In fact, depending on the context of use, the electronic device of this invention can be considered a vaporizer and can take the form of an e-cigarette pen or an e-cigarette. In fact, even if heat is not used to generate an aerosol for inhalation, a person using an e-cigarette may refer to a specific example of this invention as an e-cigarette pen. In drug delivery, a patient may refer to a specific example of this invention as a nebulizer, even if it does not utilize gas delivery (e.g., compressed gas) and even if the aerosol generated according to this invention has a smaller particle size compared to the mist generated by a common nebulizer. Other separate and different contexts of use of specific examples of this invention may similarly lead to different names for specific examples of this invention. However, although the appearance and dimensions of specific embodiments of the present invention may vary depending on the context in which they are used, the basic components and operation remain the same except as otherwise described below.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge assembly is configured to be coupled to a handheld base assembly, and preferably, configured to be magnetically coupled. The handheld base assembly includes electronics in the form of a printed circuit board and a power source in the form of a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. When the cartridge assembly is coupled to the handheld base assembly, an electrical connection is established, and the handheld base assembly supplies power to the cartridge assembly. The base also preferably includes magnets that magnetically attract the metal plate of the cartridge assembly to secure the cartridge assembly within an opening at the end of the base. The cartridge assembly is preferably a disposable cartridge assembly.

[0017] According to this configuration, the cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and a capsule assembly contained within the cylinder. The capsule assembly then includes a capsule containing a core and a mesh assembly located on top of the capsule and covering its orifice. The core is used to draw liquid into the mesh assembly. The core is engaged with the capsule body by protrusions extending from the wall of the capsule near the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, four protrusions are present, surrounding the discontinuous circular patterned ends of the core and receiving the ends of the core that frictionally engage with each of the four sides. The core extends from there to the mesh assembly and is engaged with the mesh assembly body, and particularly with a piezoelectric disc body having a mesh material that vibrates when powered to atomize the liquid contained within the capsule and core. The mesh assembly is held in tension on the top of the flange of the capsule opening by a sealing O-ring, which is engaged with the mesh assembly by the attachment of the capsule assembly's nozzle to the capsule. A screw is preferably used for attachment, thereby adjusting the force used to maintain contact between the O-ring and the mesh assembly. Spacers on the printed circuit board of the capsule assembly can further engage the bottom of the polysiloxane capsule and thereby hold the core in tension. Due to these features, the capsule and core are believed to ensure that the mesh remains in continuous contact with the liquid whenever the electronics are triggered, for consistent atomization. The liquid is preferably supplied to the vibrating mesh at a substantially constant pressure, thereby producing a substantially uniform aerosol, regardless of the orientation of the electronics.

[0018] In one feature, the cartridge assembly includes a printed circuit board or other electronics, and when coupled, the cartridge assembly communicates with a handheld dock assembly. Preferably, the printed circuit board includes memory containing information about the liquid contained in the capsule and related dosing information, such as the number of doses dispensed from the cartridge assembly to date. The cartridge assembly can be further programmed to work only with one or more designated handheld dock assemblies, excluding other handheld dock assemblies. For example, the cartridge assembly can be configured to work only with the handheld dock assembly of a specific individual, such as a patient for whom a prescription is made via the cartridge assembly.

[0019] In one feature, the core has a longitudinal channel extending between its opposite ends. This channel assists in delivering liquid to the mesh assembly for atomization.

[0020] In one feature, the core is rigid.

[0021] In one feature, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the mesh in contact with the liquid is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening facing the nozzle and outlet of the atomized liquid. Preferably, the cone angle and size of the perforated mesh are adjusted by electroforming methods to obtain a laminar and non-turbulent aerosol, which is best suited for deep lung penetration and therefore will not produce a large amount of oral deposits.

[0022] In one feature, an airflow channel is defined between the port of the mouthpiece and a pressure sensor located within the handheld base assembly. A D-ring is provided to seal the interface between the tube and the mouthpiece, thereby preventing loss of suction along the airflow channel. The airflow channel is defined by openings in the mouthpiece, tube, printed circuit board, metal plate, and chassis. Furthermore, although one opening is shown connected to the mouthpiece in the figure, three preferred openings are provided equidistantly spaced around the O-ring.

[0023] In one embodiment, after assembling the cartridge assembly, the capsule can be filled with liquid by injection. Since the capsule is preferably a self-sealing polysiloxane capsule, it reseales when the injector needle is removed, and no liquid is discharged or leaked. In this embodiment, the liquid can be injected as a final step via an inlet / injector port located at the bottom of the cartridge. Alternatively, the capsule is inserted into the cartridge and then filled with liquid (pouring from top to bottom) without piercing the capsule using a needle or injector needle. In this manner, the capsule is filled by pouring liquid into it, and once the desired volume has been dispensed, the core is inserted into the capsule, and then the capsule is sealed by a mesh assembly, followed by the assembly of the remaining parts of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is preferably a disposable cartridge assembly.

[0024] The diagram, and especially Figure 25, reveals additional features and characteristics of a superior commercial system and device for patient administration.

[0025] In addition to the aforementioned forms and features of this invention, it should be noted that this invention further covers various logical combinations and sub-combinations of such forms and features. Therefore, by way of example, the scope of the patent application in this patent application or one or more divisional or successive patent applications may relate to any form, feature or specific instance disclosed herein, or a combination thereof, without requiring any other form, feature or specific instance.

Implementation Method

[0103] As a preliminary consideration, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art ("those of ordinary skill") that the present invention has broad applicability and wide application. Furthermore, any specific example discussed and identified as "preferred" is considered part of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other specific examples may also be discussed for additional illustrative purposes to provide a complete and achievable disclosure of the invention. Moreover, specific examples of the invention may include only one or more aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or more features disclosed herein; or combinations thereof. Thus, many specific examples are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of the invention.

[0104] Therefore, although the invention has been described in detail herein with respect to one or more specific examples, it should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is provided solely for the purpose of providing a complete and achievable disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more specific examples is not intended, nor should it be construed as, limiting the scope of patent protection provided by the invention in any claim of the patent published herein, which is defined by the scope of the claims and their equivalents. The scope of patent protection provided by the invention is not intended to be defined by any limitations found herein that are not explicitly stated in the claims themselves.

[0105] Therefore, for example, any sequence and / or chronological order of steps of the various procedures or methods described herein is illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, it should be understood that although the steps of various procedures or methods may be shown and described in sequence or chronological order, unless otherwise indicated, the steps of any such procedure or method are not limited to being performed in any particular sequence or order. In fact, the steps in such procedures or methods can be performed in a variety of different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection intended to be provided by this invention is defined by one or more of the claims published, rather than by the descriptions set forth herein.

[0106] Furthermore, it is worth noting that each term used herein refers to the meaning of the term as understood by a person skilled in the art based on its contextual usage herein. Where the meaning of the term as understood by a person skilled in the art based on its contextual usage herein differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of the term, the meaning of the term as understood by a person skilled in the art should be taken as the standard.

[0107] Regarding the construction of the scope of any claim in the United States, no element of a claim shall be construed under 35 USC 112(f) unless the explicit phrases “for a component of” or “for a step of” are actually used in such element of a claim, and therefore this statutory provision is intended and shall apply to the interpretation of such element of a claim. Regarding any method claim that includes a precondition step, the method requires the satisfaction of the precondition and the execution of the step at least once, but not necessarily every time during the execution of the claimed method.

[0108] Furthermore, it is worth noting that, as used herein, "comprising" is open-ended, provided that what follows the term is not exclusive. Additionally, "a / an" generally means "at least one" but does not exclude a plurality, unless the context otherwise specifies otherwise. Thus, a reference to "picnic basket with one apple" is equivalent to "picnic basket containing one apple" and "picnic basket including one apple," each of which equally describes "picnic basket with at least one apple" and "picnic basket with multiple apples"; the picnic basket may further contain one or more other items besides the apple. In contrast, a reference to "picnic basket with a single apple" describes "picnic basket with only one apple"; the picnic basket may further contain one or more other items besides the apple. In contrast, a "picnic basket composed of apples" has only the single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket does not contain other items.

[0109] When used in this document to include items in a list, "or" indicates "at least one of the items" but does not exclude multiple items in the list. Thus, the reference to "picnic basket with cheese or biscuits" describes "picnic basket with cheese but no biscuits", "picnic basket with biscuits but no cheese" and "picnic basket with both cheese and biscuits"; the picnic basket may further contain one or more other items besides cheese and biscuits.

[0110] When used in this document to include items in a list, “and” means “all items in the list”. Thus, a reference to “picnic basket with cheese and biscuits” describes “a picnic basket with cheese, wherein the picnic basket further contains biscuits”, and describes “a picnic basket with crackers, wherein the picnic basket further contains cheese”; the picnic basket may further contain one or more other items besides cheese and biscuits.

[0111] The phrase "at least one" followed by a list of items connected by "and" indicates one of the items in the list, but not every item in the list is required. Therefore, "at least one of apples and oranges" covers the following mutually exclusive situations: apples exist but oranges are not; oranges exist but apples are not; and both apples and oranges exist. In these situations, if apples are present, there can be more than one apple, and if oranges are present, there can be more than one orange. Furthermore, the phrase "one or more" followed by a list of items connected by "and" is equivalent to "at least one" followed by a list of items connected by "and".

[0112] In addition, as used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings.

[0113] "Liquid" means a substance that flows freely but has a constant volume, and usually has a consistency similar to that of water (low viscosity) or oil (high viscosity). Liquid is a general term for solutions, suspensions and emulsions and includes solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

[0114] A "solution" is a homogeneous mixture of two or more components. The solvent is the dissolving agent. The substance being dissolved is the solute. The components of a solution are atoms, ions, or molecules, and the size of any of these components is typically one nanometer or smaller. An example of a solution is sugar mixed with water.

[0115] A "suspension" is a mixture of components that can be uniformly distributed by mechanical methods such as shaking or stirring, but will eventually settle over a longer period of time. The components in a suspension are usually larger than their counterparts in a solution. An example of a suspension is oil mixed with water.

[0116] "Colloidal dispersion" refers to a heterogeneous liquid mixture in which one component is dispersed in another component and does not precipitate over a relatively long period of time. The dispersed component is usually larger than the component in the solution but smaller than the component in the suspension.

[0117] "Aerosol" means the colloidal dispersion of a solid or liquid in a gas.

[0118] "Emulsion" means a colloidal dispersion of a liquid in another liquid. An example of an emulsion is milk.

[0119] "Nano emulsion" means an emulsion in which the dispersed components contain nanoparticles.

[0120] "Nano particles" means that the molecules do not have—or the aggregates of the molecules do not have—a size greater than about one micrometer (1,000 nanometers). According to a preferred embodiment of the state and features of the present invention, the nano particles preferably have a size between about 50 and about 200 nanometers.

[0121] "Microcell" refers to a vesicle with a molecular layer that encapsulates and transports substances to human cells. For example, the encapsulating molecules in a microcell can be surfactants or polymers. Typical microcells in aqueous solutions form aggregates with hydrophilic "head" regions that come into contact with the surrounding solvent, creating hydrophobic tail regions within the aggregates.

[0122] "Liposomes" means at least one double-layered vesicle that encapsulates and transports substances to human cells.

[0123] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and its features will be described below. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementation or use.

[0124] According to the electronic device of the present invention, a vibrating mesh is provided for atomizing a liquid without smoldering. The atomized liquid preferably takes the form of a vapor cloud similar to what a person or observer would presume to be "vapor" when vaping an e-cigarette. In the context of vaping, it is therefore believed that such a preferred device of the present invention produces an aerosol free of unwanted carcinogens. This contrasts sharply with vaporizers currently in use that atomize e-liquid by heating the desired compounds contained therein (e.g., nicotine) or supplements such as B12, THC / CBD, and other drugs or stimulants. Because these vaporizers use heating to atomize e-liquid, they produce toxic byproducts, such as formaldehyde, identified as a Group 1 carcinogen, which are then unfortunately inhaled by the user of the vaporizer. For example, when a liquid is heated, it undergoes a thermochemical reaction, resulting in unwanted emissions. Undesirable emissions of toxic byproducts can cause health harm due to long-term inhalation and exposure.

[0125] By utilizing a vibrating mesh, a preferred electronic device according to one or more forms and features of the present invention generates aerosols without the use of heat and thus advantageously avoids such toxic byproducts generated by currently sold vaporizers. In this way, the electronic device advantageously generates carcinogenic aerosols free of harmful emission byproducts.

[0126] A preferred electronic device according to one or more of the embodiments and features of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in the atomization of inhaled liquids without heating, and is particularly suitable for use in the atomization of inhaled aqueous formulations including nicotine without heating.

[0127] According to one or more embodiments and features of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the electronic device is illustrated in and described with reference to Figures 1A to 20C. Components for a prototype cylindrical assembly are shown in Figures 21, 22 and 23. A commercial prototype is shown in Figures 24A to 24G.

[0128] Other forms of electronic devices according to the invention include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarette pens, and aerosol sprayers. The electronic devices of the invention may be referred to by other given terms. In any case, the electronic devices of the invention produce an aerosol for inhalation without smoldering or heating, regardless of what commercial or consumer name may be given.

[0129] FIG1A illustrates an electronic device 100 having a handheld base assembly 102 and a cartridge assembly 104 according to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The cartridge assembly and the handheld base assembly are configured to be removably coupled together. FIG1B illustrates the operation of separating the handheld base assembly 102 from the cartridge assembly 104 in the electronic device of FIG1A. Preferably, the cartridge assembly is magnetically mounted to the end of the handheld base assembly for decoupling attachment. FIG1C illustrates a close-up view of the cartridge assembly 104 after separation from the handheld base assembly illustrated in FIG1B.

[0130] Figure 2A shows the front view of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 2B shows the rear front view of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 2C shows the perspective view of the rear and bottom of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 2D shows the perspective view of the bottom of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 2E shows the perspective view of the bottom and first side of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 2F shows the perspective view of the first side of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C.

[0131] Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of the first side and top of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the top of the cylinder 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 3C illustrates a perspective view of the top and second side of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 3D illustrates a perspective view of the second side of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 3E illustrates a perspective view of the second side and bottom of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C. Figure 3F illustrates a perspective view of the front, first side, and top of the cylinder assembly 104 in Figure 1C.

[0132] The cylinder assembly 104 includes a mouthpiece 106 and a cylinder 108. FIG4A is an exploded view of the cylinder assembly 104 of FIG1C, wherein the two fasteners 103, 105 and the mouthpiece 106 are shown to be separate from the cylinder 108. FIG4B is a perspective view of the top and rear of the mouthpiece 106 of the cylinder assembly 104 of FIG4A. FIG4C is a front view of the rear of the mouthpiece 106 of FIG4B.

[0133] Figure 5A is a front view of the front of the cylinder 108 of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C. Figure 5B is a perspective view of the front and top of the cylinder 108 in Figure 1C. Figure 5C is an exploded perspective view of the front, top and first side of the cylinder 108 in Figure 1C, wherein the O-ring 110 and D-ring 112 are removed from the cylinder 108.

[0134] Figure 6A is a perspective view of the top and front of the cylinder 108 of Figure 1C, wherein the O-ring 112 and D-ring 110 have been removed from the rest of the cylinder 108. Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view of the top, front, and first side of the cylinder 108 of Figure 1C, wherein the two fasteners 111, 113 and the metal plate 114 are separated from the rest of the cylinder 108. The metal plate 114 is used to couple the cylinder assembly 104 to one or more magnets located at the distal end 140 of the base assembly 102. Figure 6C is a perspective view of the top, side, and rear of the cylinder 108 of Figure 6B, wherein the two fasteners 111, 113 and the metal plate 114 have been removed from the rest of the cylinder 108.

[0135] FIG7A is an exploded perspective view of the top, rear and first side of the cylinder 108 of FIG6C, wherein the circuit board 116 is removed from the rest of the cylinder 108. The cylinder assembly 104 includes the pouch assembly 118, and FIG7B is an exploded perspective view of the top, rear and first side of the cylinder 108 of FIG7A, wherein the pouch assembly 118 is removed from the cylinder 108.

[0136] FIG8A is a perspective view of the front portion of the remaining portion of the cylinder 108 of FIG7B after the bladder assembly 118 has been removed. FIG8B is a perspective view of the front portion and first side of the remaining portion of the cylinder 108 of FIG8A. FIG8C is a perspective view of the rear portion of the remaining portion of the cylinder 108 of FIG8A.

[0137] The pouch assembly 118 includes a pouch 120; a core 122 received within the pouch 120; and a mesh assembly 124. FIG9 is an exploded perspective view of the pouch assembly 118 of FIG7B. The mesh assembly 124 is preferably disposed on the top of the flange of the orifice of the pouch 120, which extends through the opening in the tube 108 to define the orifice.

[0138] Figure 10A is a perspective view of the top of the pouch 120 in Figure 9. Figure 10B is a perspective view of the top and front of the pouch 120 in Figure 9. Figure 10C is a perspective view of the front of the pouch 120 in Figure 9. Figure 10D is a perspective view of the first side of the pouch 120 in Figure 9. Figure 10E is a perspective view of the top and first side of the pouch 120 in Figure 9.

[0139] Figure 11A is a view of Figure 10A shown only by shading. Figure 11B is a view of Figure 10B shown only by shading. Figure 11C is a view of Figure 10C shown only by shading. Figure 11D is a view of Figure 10D shown only by shading. Figure 11E is a view of Figure 10E shown only by shading.

[0140] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the capsule 120 in Figure 9, shown only by shading.

[0141] Figure 12B is a perspective view of the capsule 120 and core 122 of Figure 9, shown only by shading.

[0142] The core 122 of the pouch assembly 118 preferably includes a longitudinal channel 126. Figure 13A is a top plan view of the core 122 of Figure 9. Figure 13B is a side view of the core 122 of Figure 9, showing the longitudinal channel 126 of the core 122. Figure 13C is a perspective view of the top and side of the core 122 of Figure 9, showing the longitudinal channel 126 of the core 122. Figure 13D is a perspective view of the bottom and side of the core 122 of Figure 9, again showing the longitudinal channel 126 of the core 122. The channel 126 preferably extends between the distal ends of the core 122, and is preferably an open channel at both ends, as shown.

[0143] Figure 14A is a top plan view of the mesh assembly 124 in Figure 9, in which electrical connections are omitted for clarity. Figure 14B is a top and side perspective view of the mesh assembly 124 in Figure 14A. Figure 14C is a side and bottom perspective view of the mesh assembly 124 in Figure 14A. Figure 14D is a bottom plan view of the mesh assembly 124 in Figure 14A.

[0144] The mesh assembly 124 includes a mesh material and a piezoelectric material; preferably, the mesh assembly 124 includes a piezoelectric mesh disk. The mesh material is configured to vibrate when the piezoelectric material is actuated, thereby generating an aerosol when the mesh material contacts the liquid in the capsule 120, allowing the aerosol to be drawn in by the mouthpiece 106. The core 122 preferably remains in continuous contact with the mesh assembly 124. Specifically, the end of the core 122 is preferably secured by a protrusion extending from the wall of the capsule near the bottom of the capsule, and the core has a length such that when the capsule assembly 118 is assembled, the distal end of the core 122 remains in contact with the mesh assembly, and the opposite end of the core 122 is held in place by the protrusion of the capsule 120.

[0145] The handheld base assembly 102 includes: a circuit system; and a power supply for actuating the mesh assembly 124 when the base assembly 102 and the cylinder assembly 104 are preferably coupled together by pins, the pins engaging electrical contacts when the base assembly 102 and the cylinder assembly 104 are coupled. One or more of the pins are further provided for electronic communication between the circuit system of the handheld base assembly 102 and non-transitory machine-readable memory located within the cylinder assembly 104.

[0146] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 1B.

[0147] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 15, in which the surface layer 132 and the tail 134 are omitted.

[0148] Figure 17A is a front view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16. Figure 17B is a rear front view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16. Figure 17C is a top plan view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16. Figure 17D is a front view of the first side of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16. Figure 17E is a bottom plan view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16. Figure 17F is a front view of the second opposite side of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16.

[0149] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the handheld base assembly 102 of Figure 16, in which the chassis 136 is further omitted.

[0150] Figure 19A is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end 140 of the front portion of the handheld base assembly of Figure 16. Figure 19B is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal end 140 of the front portion of the handheld base assembly of Figure 16. Figure 19C is a partial view, not a cross-section, of the distal end 140 of the front portion of the handheld base assembly of Figure 16, similar to the handheld base assembly of Figure 19B.

[0151] Figure 20A is a perspective view of the metal plate 114 in Figure 6B. Figure 20B is a perspective view of the printed circuit board 116 in Figure 7A. Figure 20C is a front view of the cylinder 108 and the printed circuit board 116, in which the cylinder 108 is transparently shown.

[0152] Figure 21 is a disassembled component view of the cylinder assembly 204 of the prototype commercial specific example 200 of the present invention.

[0153] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the bladder 220 of the cylinder assembly 204 in Figure 21.

[0154] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the bag 220 of Figure 22 located inside the tube 204 of Figure 21.

[0155] Figure 24A is a top front view of the prototype commercial specific example 200. Figure 24B is a top front view of the prototype commercial specific example 200, with "WAVE" displayed on the monitor. Figure 24C is a top front view of the prototype commercial specific example 200, with dose count 97 displayed on the monitor. Figure 24D is a partial perspective view of the prototype commercial specific example 200 when vapor is emitted from the mouthpiece. Figure 24E is a perspective view of the prototype commercial specific example 200 when an upward force is applied to the cylinder assembly 204 using two fingers, while the base assembly 202 is held by the remaining fingers of the hand. Figure 24F is a perspective view of the prototype commercial specific example 200 after the application of the upward force in Figure 24E, where the cylinder assembly 204 has been decoupled from and removed from the handheld base assembly 202. Figure 24G is a view of the prototype commercial specific example 200, where the decoupled cylinder assembly 204 is inverted to show its bottom.

[0156] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention has broad applicability and utility. The electronic device of the present invention can be used to deliver a liquid containing supplements, medications, or therapeutically effective amounts of medications using aerosols with particles of an easily inhalable size. For example, the aerosol can be used by a patient within the scope of inhalation therapy, thereby allowing a liquid containing supplements, therapeutically effective agents, or medications to reach the patient's respiratory tract upon inhalation. The desired compounds (such as nicotine, flavorings, and supplements such as B12) can be received by a person via inhalation without the toxic byproducts (such as formaldehyde—an identified Group 1 carcinogen) produced during heating in conventional e-cigarettes. The electronic device of the present invention can further be used in the cannabis industry, but only legally for the delivery of cannabinoids and CBD oils, etc. Furthermore, many specific instances and adaptations of the invention, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent configurations, other than those specifically described herein, will be apparent from or reasonably proposed by the invention and its foregoing description without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0157] As will be further understood from the foregoing, at least some preferred embodiments of the present invention represent a portable, directionally unpredictable vibrating mesh aerosol. It should also be understood from the foregoing that at least some preferred embodiments emit an aerosol that is sensorily equivalent to vapor, i.e., not a mist, but instead produced by conventional electronic cigarettes, thereby providing a pleasant consumer product for those accustomed to vaping.

[0158] Therefore, although the invention has been described in detail herein with respect to one or more preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative and exemplary and is intended only to provide a complete and achievable disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any other such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, or equivalent configurations, which are limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0026] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are referred to by like reference numerals.

[0027] [Figure 1A] illustrates an electronic device having a handheld base assembly and a cylinder assembly according to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 1B] illustrates the action of separating the handheld base assembly from the cylinder assembly in the electronic device of Figure 1A.

[0029] [Figure 1C] shows a close-up view of the cylinder assembly after separation from the handheld base assembly shown in Figure 1B.

[0030] [Figure 2A] Explanation of the front view of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0031] [Figure 2B] Explanation of the rear front view of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0032] [Fig. 2C] Explanation: Perspective view of the rear and bottom of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0033] [Figure 2D] Explanation: Perspective view of the bottom of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0034] [Fig. 2E] Explanation: Perspective view of the bottom and first side of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0035] [Fig. 2F] Explanation: Perspective view of the first side of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0036] [Figure 3A] Explanation of the perspective view of the first side and top of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0037] [Figure 3B] Explanation of the perspective view of the top of the cylinder in Figure 1C.

[0038] [Fig. 3C] Explanation: Perspective view of the top and second side of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0039] [Figure 3D] Explanation: Perspective view of the second side of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0040] [Fig. 3E] Explanation: Perspective view of the second side and bottom of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0041] [Fig. 3F] Explanation: Perspective view of the front, first side and top of the cylinder assembly in Fig. 1C.

[0042] [Figure 4A] is an exploded view of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0043] [Figure 4B] is a perspective view of the top and rear of the nozzle of the cylinder assembly in Figure 4A.

[0044] [Figure 4C] is a front view of the rear part of the mouthpiece in Figure 4B.

[0045] [Figure 5A] is a front view of the front part of the cylinder of the cylinder assembly in Figure 1C.

[0046] [Fig. 5B] is a perspective view of the front and top of the cylinder in Fig. 1C.

[0047] [Fig. 5C] is an exploded perspective view of the front, top and first side of the cylinder of Fig. 1C, wherein the O-ring and D-ring are removed from the rest of the cylinder.

[0048] [Figure 6A] is a perspective view of the top and front of the cylinder in Figure 1C, wherein the O-ring and D-ring have been removed from the rest of the cylinder.

[0049] [Figure 6B] is an exploded perspective view of the top, front and first side of the cylinder of Figure 1C, in which two fasteners and a metal plate are removed from the rest of the cylinder.

[0050] [Figure 6C] is a perspective view of the top, side and rear of the cylinder of Figure 6B, in which two fasteners and a metal plate have been removed from the rest of the cylinder.

[0051] [Figure 7A] is an exploded perspective view of the top, rear and first side of the cylinder of Figure 6C, wherein the circuit board is removed from the rest of the cylinder.

[0052] [Figure 7B] is an exploded perspective view of the top, rear and first side of the tube in Figure 7A, wherein the tube assembly is removed from the rest of the tube.

[0053] [Fig. 8A] is a perspective view of the front portion of the remaining part of the tube in Fig. 7B after the bladder assembly has been removed.

[0054] [Figure 8B] is a perspective view of the front and first side of the remaining part of the cylinder in Figure 8A.

[0055] [Fig. 8C] is a perspective view of the rear part of the remaining portion of the cylinder in Fig. 8A.

[0056] [Figure 9] is an exploded perspective view of the bladder assembly of Figure 7B, wherein the bladder assembly includes the bladder, the core and the mesh assembly.

[0057] [Fig. 10A] is a perspective view of the top of the capsule in Fig. 9.

[0058] [Fig. 10B] is a perspective view of the top and front of the bladder component in Fig. 9.

[0059] [Fig. 10C] is a perspective view of the front part of the bladder component in Fig. 9.

[0060] [Fig. 10D] is a perspective view of the first side of the bladder component in Fig. 9.

[0061] [Fig. 10E] is a perspective view of the top and first side of the capsule in Fig. 9.

[0062] [Figure 11A] is a view of Figure 10A shown only with shading.

[0063] [Figure 11B] is a view of Figure 10B shown only with shading.

[0064] [Figure 11C] is a view of Figure 10C shown only with shading.

[0065] [Figure 11D] is a view of Figure 10D shown only with shading.

[0066] [Figure 11E] is a view of Figure 10E shown only with shading.

[0067] [Fig. 12A] is a perspective view of the capsule in Fig. 9, shown only with shaded areas.

[0068] [Fig. 12B] is a perspective view of the capsule and core of Fig. 9, shown only by shading.

[0069] [Figure 13A] is a top plan view of the core in Figure 9.

[0070] [Figure 13B] is a side view of the core in Figure 9, showing the longitudinal channel of the core.

[0071] [Figure 13C] is a perspective view of the top and side of the core in Figure 9, showing the longitudinal channel of the core.

[0072] [Figure 13D] is a perspective view of the bottom and side of the core in Figure 9, showing the longitudinal channel of the core.

[0073] [Figure 14A] is a top plan view of the mesh assembly in Figure 9, in which electrical connections are omitted for clarity.

[0074] [Figure 14B] is a perspective view of the top and side of the mesh assembly in Figure 14A.

[0075] [Figure 14C] is a perspective view of the side and bottom of the mesh assembly in Figure 14A.

[0076] [Figure 14D] is a bottom plan view of the mesh assembly in Figure 14A.

[0077] [Figure 15] is a perspective view of the handheld base assembly of Figure 1B.

[0078] [Figure 16] is a perspective view of the handheld base assembly of Figure 15, in which the surface and tail are omitted.

[0079] [Figure 17A] is the front view of the handheld base assembly in Figure 16.

[0080] [Figure 17B] is the rear front view of the handheld base assembly in Figure 16.

[0081] [Figure 17C] is a top plan view of the handheld base assembly in Figure 16.

[0082] [Fig. 17D] is a front view of the first side of the handheld base assembly in Fig. 16.

[0083] [Figure 17E] is a bottom plan view of the handheld base assembly in Figure 16.

[0084] [Fig. 17F] is a front view of the second opposite side of the handheld base assembly in Fig. 16.

[0085] [Figure 18] is a perspective view of Figure 16, in which the chassis is further omitted.

[0086] [Figure 19A] is a partial cross-sectional view of the far end of the front of the handheld base assembly in Figure 16.

[0087] [Fig. 19B] is another cross-sectional view of the far end of the front of the handheld base assembly of Fig. 16.

[0088] [Fig. 19C] is a partial view, rather than a cross-section, of the far end of the front of the handheld base assembly of Fig. 16, which is similar to the handheld base assembly of Fig. 19B.

[0089] [Figure 20A] is a perspective view of the metal plate in Figure 6B.

[0090] [Figure 20B] is a perspective view of the printed circuit board in Figure 7A.

[0091] [Figure 20C] is a front view of the cylinder and printed circuit board, in which the cylinder is transparently displayed.

[0092] [Figure 21] is a disassembled component view of the cylindrical assembly of a prototype commercial specific example of the present invention.

[0093] [Figure 22] is a perspective view of the bladder component of the cylinder assembly in Figure 21.

[0094] [Fig. 23] is a perspective view of the bag component of Fig. 22 positioned inside the tube of Fig. 21.

[0095] [Figure 24A] is a top front view of a specific commercial prototype of the present invention.

[0096] [Figure 24B] is a top front view of a prototype commercial specific example of the present invention, wherein "WAVE" is displayed on the monitor.

[0097] [Figure 24C] is a top front view of a prototype commercial specific example of the present invention, wherein a dose count 97 is displayed on a monitor.

[0098] [Figure 24D] is a partial perspective view of a prototype commercial specific instance when steam is emitted from the nozzle.

[0099] [Figure 24E] is a perspective view of a prototype commercial specific example when an upward force is applied to the cylinder assembly using two fingers while the base assembly is held by the remaining fingers of the hand.

[0100] [Figure 24F] is a perspective view of a prototype commercial specific instance after the application of the upward force in Figure 24E, in which the cylinder assembly has been decoupled from and removed from the handheld base assembly.

[0101] [Figure 24G] is a view of a specific commercial instance of the prototype, in which the decoupled cylinder assembly is inverted to show its bottom.

[0102] [Figure 25] is a perspective view of another prototype commercial specific example, and reveals the appearance and characteristics of a better commercial system and device for patient administration.

Claims

1. An electronic device for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a person, comprising: (a) a cylinder assembly including a mouthpiece, a cylinder, and a capsule assembly including a capsule, a core housed within the capsule, and a mesh assembly, wherein the mesh assembly includes a mesh material and a piezoelectric material configured to vibrate when the piezoelectric material is actuated, thereby generating an aerosol when the mesh material contacts a liquid in the capsule, such that the aerosol can be inhaled through the mouthpiece; and (b) a handheld base assembly; (c) wherein the cylinder assembly and the handheld base assembly are configured to be removably coupled together; and (d) wherein the mesh assembly is disposed on top of a flange of an orifice in the capsule, the capsule extending through an opening in the cylinder to define the orifice; (e) wherein the mesh assembly is held in tension on the top of the flange of the orifice of the bladder by means of a sealing O-ring, the sealing O-ring being engaged with the mesh assembly by means of the attachment of the nozzle of the tube assembly to the tube; and (f) wherein one end of the core is secured by a protrusion extending from one wall of the bladder.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the handheld base assembly includes a circuit system and a power supply for actuating the mesh assembly.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the cylinder assembly and the handheld base assembly are configured to be magnetically coupled together.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the cylinder assembly is magnetically mounted to one end of the handheld base assembly.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the mesh assembly includes a piezoelectric mesh disk.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the core includes a longitudinal channel.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the core remains in continuous contact with the mesh assembly.

8. A cartridge assembly comprising a liquid for generating an aerosol for inhalation by one person, comprising: (a) a mouthpiece; (b) a cartridge; and (c) a capsule assembly including a capsule, a core housed within the capsule, and a mesh assembly, wherein the mesh assembly includes a mesh material and a piezoelectric material configured to vibrate when the piezoelectric material is actuated, thereby generating an aerosol when the mesh material contacts a liquid in the capsule, such that the aerosol can be inhaled through the mouthpiece; and (d) wherein the mesh assembly is disposed on top of a flange of an orifice in the capsule, the capsule extending through an opening in the cartridge to define the orifice. (e) wherein the mesh assembly is held in tension on the top of the flange of the orifice of the bladder by means of a sealing O-ring, the sealing O-ring being engaged with the mesh assembly by means of the attachment of the nozzle of the tube assembly to the tube; and (f) wherein one end of the core is secured by a protrusion extending from one wall of the bladder.

9. The cylinder assembly of claim 8, wherein the mesh assembly includes a piezoelectric mesh disc.

10. The cylinder assembly as requested in item 8, wherein the core includes a longitudinal channel.

11. The cylindrical assembly of claim 8, wherein the core remains in continuous contact with the mesh assembly.

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