Method and Apparatus for Aerosol Delivery Using an Atomizer

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus having an atomizer device / method 250 based on air heating technology, comprising: 1) a tube 300 (which can be comprised of glass), 2) a cup 600 for holding substrate 800, 3) an optional filter plate 500, 4) an optional cap or lid 400, 5) substrate 800 (which can be in a pill form), 6) an optional ring or band 370 (which can comprise silicone), for achieving atomization function.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 770,530, filed on Mar. 12, 2025, the priority of which application is hereby claimed, and such application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In various embodiments the present invention relates to the field of mechanical structure and atomization technology, specifically to a hard material atomizer device and method based on mechanical structure technology.

[0003] Present atomization technology has been widely applied in fields such as medical health, biology, electronic atomization, and air fragrance enhancement. However, the existing atomization heating technology has the following problems:

[0004] 1. Usually uses materials such as plastic, paper, silicone, and metal as carriers for heating. These materials have poor temperature resistance, unstable structure, and are prone to producing toxic and harmful substances, which reduces health and user experience and further have a series of problems such as complex structure, high cost, and unstable operation.

[0005] 2. The longer the storage, the more toxic and harmful substances are added during the atomization process, which damages personal health and causes social harm.

[0006] 3. The additional addition of toxic and harmful gases also reduces the user experience.

[0007] There is a need for a new type of healthy and safe atomization device and method to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,274 for Devices for Vaporizing And Delivering An Aerosol Agent.

[0009] While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. In various embodiments is provided a hard material atomizer device and method based on mechanical structure technology, which avoids the use of plastic, paper, silicone, and metal as carriers for heating through a novel structural design.

[0011] Various embodiments have avoided the production of unhealthy problems of toxic and harmful substances, odors, and harmful gases that are easily generated in prior art devices.

[0012] Various embodiments incorporate the advantages of simple and novel mechanism, safe and healthy use, stability and reliability, small size, low cost, and high efficiency.

[0013] In various embodiments the technical solution follows:

[0014] 1. An atomizer device comprising heating, cooling, filtering, and three components. Two modules for charging and atomization.

[0015] 2. The heating component is used to achieve atomization function, and its structure includes two parts: a substrate storage chamber, a heating airway, and an atomization airway. The cooling component is used to achieve cooling function, and its structure includes two parts: (a) cooling air duct and (b) cooling pipe. The filtering component is used to achieve filtering function, and its structure includes two parts: (a) cooling fins and (b) micropores (the shape is not limited to holes or grooves, etc.).

[0016] 3. The charging module is used for storing and vaporizing the substrate, and its working principle is to preserve the stored liquid or solid drugs without contamination.

[0017] 4. The atomization module is used to convert the stored substrate (solid or liquid) into a gaseous state,

[0018] Note: The appeal unit and function can complete multiple functions within one part, or complete one function in multiple parts, or be combined with each other.

[0019] In various embodiments the advantages of the present invention include:

[0020] 1. Use of inorganic food grade hard materials (such as glass, ceramics, crystals, silicone, etc.) to solve the problem of harmful substances easily generated by high-temperature materials in aerosol generating devices and improving the health of atomization equipment for aerosol generating devices (preferably borosilicate glass can be used);

[0021] 2. The present invention utilizes a novel mechanical structure to achieve its functions, reducing the cost of the aerosol generating tube for aerosol generating devices;

[0022] 3. The simple and novel structure of the present invention improves atomization efficiency.

[0023] It can be comprised of healthy materials such as glass, metals, quartz, ceramics, crystals, and other hard materials, with high temperature resistance, health, safety, and small size. It can be widely used in fields such as medical health, biology, electronic atomization, and air fragrance enhancement.

[0024] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery tube being inserted into a device for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 1 now inserted in a device for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3 now omitting the cap and substrate.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the filter.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cup.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0035] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 9 with a portion of the tube removed and schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 10 where the tube has been rotated 90 degrees to better show flow through remaining openings in the slots between the arms.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of assembled aerosol delivery tubes packaged for sale.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insert that can be placed in the tube with the insert having helical or spiral vanes creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube which differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 by the tube having two interior bore sizes compared to three interior bore sizes.

[0040] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 14.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tube of FIG. 14.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 14 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a tube that can be used in a third embodiment where the tube, like the one shown in FIG. 3 has three interior bore sizes.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative cup that can be used in various embodiments where the cup includes an interior cylinder creating an annular space between the out wall of the interior cylinder and the inner walls of the arms of the cup.

[0045] FIG. 20 is a top view of the cup of FIG. 19.

[0046] FIG. 21 is another top view of the cup of FIG. 19.

[0047] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24.

[0048] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup FIG. 19 placed in the tube of FIG. 18 with a portion of the tube removed to better show the two annular spaces.

[0049] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24.

[0050] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 25-25.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 being inserted (schematically indicated by the arrow) into a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 now inserted in a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0054] Device 100 has first end 110, second end 120, generally hollow housing 130, and a plurality of ventilation openings. Switch 150 is operatively connected to heat generator 140.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250 now omitting the cap 400 and substrate 800. Assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 generally comprises tube 300, cup 600, filter 500, and cap 400.

[0056] In various embodiments, the method and apparatus includes an atomizer device / method 250 based on air heating technology, comprising:

[0057] 1) a tube 300 (which can be comprised of glass),

[0058] 2) a cup 600 for holding substrate 800,

[0059] 3) optional filter plate 500,

[0060] 4) a cap or lid 400,

[0061] 5) substrate 800 (which can be in a pill form),

[0062] 6) alternatively, a ring or band 370 (which can comprise silicone),

[0063] for achieving atomization function.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube 300 which can include first end 310, second end 320, and bore 330 having sidewall 332. Bore 300 can have three portions: first section 340 having length 344 and diameter 342, second section 350 having length 354 and diameter 352, and third section 360 having length 364 and diameter 362. Length 344 plus length 354 plus length 364 equals overall length 365 of tube 300. In various embodiments second section 350 can have a frictionally enhanced interior surface, such as being roughened, knurled, or sandblasted. In various embodiments the frictional enhancing can be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, or 300 percent compared to the non-enhanced surface. In various embodiments the amount of frictional enhancement can fall within an inclusive range between any two of the above referenced percentages.

[0065] Tube 300: Tube 300 can have a length of 47 mm, the wall thickness is 1 mm, the outer diameter is 7 mm, the inner diameter is 5 mm, and the air intake gap is 0.5 mm. In an alternative embodiment the tube is 7 mm in outer diameter and 4.8 mm in inner diameter. The air intake clearance is 0.5 mm.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of cup 600 which can include first end 610, second end 620, interior 602, diameter 606, and a plurality of spaced apart arms (e.g., first arm 630 and second arm 640). First opening 650 can be between arms 630 and 640 and have width 654 and length 652 with bottom edge 652. Second opening can be between arms 630 and 640 and have width 664 and length 662 with bottom edge 662. Second end 620 can be rounded or hemispherically shaped. Preferably diameter 606 is slightly larger than diameter 352 of second bore 350. Also preferably, first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 670) when being inserted into second bore 350.

[0067] Cup: The length of the small glass cup is 12.7 mm, the wall thickness is 0.5 mm, the outer diameter is 4.8 mm, and the width of the air inlet groove is 1.2 mm. In an alternative embodiment the outer diameter of cup is 5 mm, and the air inlet groove is greater or equal to 1.2 mm.

[0068] When placed inside tube 300, the plurality of arms can be forced by interior of tube 300 to bend towards each other (thereby creating a frictional fit between cup 600 and tube 300). In various embodiments the amount of bending can be at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 2.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees. In various embodiments the amount of bending can fall within an inclusive range between any two of the above referenced bending angles inclusive of the endpoints.

[0069] Two arms 630, 640 are shown in the figures. In various the number of arms can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In various embodiments the number of arms can fall within an inclusive range of between any two of the above referenced number of arms. It is expected to increase the amount of airflow from second end 320 of tube 300 into interior of cup 600 with an increase in the number of arms as there will be an increase in the number of slots between said arms and number of entering positions into interior of cup 600.

[0070] Preferably second end 620 is rounded or hemispherically shaped which tends to cause substrate 800 (e.g., when in a small spherical form) to be located in the longitudinal center of tube 300 when tube 300 is vertically positioned thereby causing substrate 800 to see heat from the middle of tube 300 and creating a more even distribution of heating from heat source 140. Additionally, being rounded or hemispherically shaped tends to cause any liquid contents of substrate 800 to more evenly spread out at the second end 620 of cup 600 for enhancing vaporization of said liquid contents.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the filter or screen 500 which can include first end 510, second end 520, perimeter edge 502, and plurality of openings 530. Filter 500 can have diameter 540 and thickness 544. For installation, filter 500 can preferably be wedged between first end 610 of cup 600 and shoulder 356 of second bore 350 when cup 600 is inserted into tube 300 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0072] Filter: Filter or screen 500 can have an outer diameter of 5 mm, thickness of 0.5 mm, and a plurality of inner holes (e.g., four holes each being 1.2 mm). In an alternative embodiment filter or screen 500 can have an outer diameter of 4.8 mm and 4 inner holes of 1.2 mm. In various embodiments, filter or screen 500 can include various helical or spiral vanes creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes (e.g., FIG. 12).

[0073] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically indicating insertion of filter or screen 500 (arrow 504) and cup 600 (arrow 672) into tube 300. Preferably first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 670) when being inserted into second bore 350. Arrows 670 schematically indicate the bending in slightly of first 630 and second 640 arms when being inserted into second bore 350 (as diameter 606 of cup 600 is preferably slightly larger than diameter 354 of second bore 350). Also preferably diameter 606 of cup 600 is smaller than diameter 342 of first bore 340 creating annular space 348. Also preferably depths 653, 663 of slots 650 and 660 (plus thickness 542 of filter 500 when filter 500 is used) is greater than height 354 of second bore 350 so that pathways will remain after cup 600 is fully inserted in second bore 350.

[0074] In various embodiments, the size of flow pathways (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) are adjustable based on the amount of relative longitudinal insertion of cup 600 into tube 300 (and second bore 350). Generally, from the time cup 600 first enters second bore 350, the greater the amount of insertion of cup 600 into said bore 350, the smaller the size of the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) until such time as further insertion of cup 600 is restricted by shoulder 356. If shoulder 356 is omitted, then the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) can actually be cut off where the depths 653,663 reach shoulder 346. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25, 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, and 100 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced percentages (inclusive of the endpoints of the ranges). In various embodiments cup 600 can be rotated relative to tube 300 without impacting the size of the flow pathways.

[0075] Ring: Ring or band 370 shown in FIG. 3 can be comprised of anti-slip silicone having a length of 8 mm and a thickness of 0.2 mm. As schematically indicated by arrows 372 ring or band 370 can be selectively located about the length of tube 300 (e.g., as selected by a user such as for example to space second end 320 of tube 300 from heat source 140)). Such positioning by a user of ring or band 370 can longitudinally locate second end 320 of aerosol delivery tube 250 in aerosol delivery device (schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0076] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around cup 600 (schematically indicated by arrow 140), entering the interior 602 of cup 600 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 144), heating and vaporizing substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrow 146) causing the vapor to pass through the filter or screen 500 via plurality of openings 530, and continuing up third tube bore 360 (schematically indicated by arrow 367) until reaching first end 310 of tube 300 and a user's mouth (schematically indicated by arrow 369). FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end 320, entering the cup 600, passing through the filter or screen 500, and up the tube bore 300 itself. In FIG. 10 heat source 140 is schematically shown as being spaced apart from second end 320 of tube 300. Alternatively, heat source 140 can be located immediately adjacent second end 320 and / or located circumferentially around second end 320 and / or cup 600.

[0077] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 10 where the tube has been rotated 90 degrees to better show flow through remaining openings in the slots between the arms.

[0078] Air flow can pass through annular gap 348 (between cup 600 and interior wall 360) and into the plurality of openings to the interior of cup 600 (e.g., between shoulder 346 and first / second bases 652 / 662 of first / second slots 650 / 660). Because first / second arms 630 / 640 are in contact with interior wall 360 of tube 300, air flow is expected to be directed through slots 630 and 660.

[0079] In various embodiments heated air can enter from the bottom annular airway 348 (e.g., there is a gap between the outer diameter of cup 600 and the inner diameter of tube 300 as the airway, forming an annular cross-sectional area). FIGS. 90 and 10 schematically show the working airflow diagram. After heating from heat generator 140, heated air enters from the bottom 320 of tube 300, through annular space 348 and into the interior of cup 600 thereby heating substrate 800 and vaporizing at least part of it. The vaporized portion of substrate 800 rises in the interior of cup 600 and then passes through filter or screen 500 via the plurality of openings 530. As the vaporized portion of substrate 800 passes through filter or screen 500 the vaporized portion is cooled. The cooled vaporized portion continues to rise through bore 330 (schematically indicated by arrows 367 and 368) and ultimately exits first end 310 (schematically indicated by arrow 369).

[0080] After cup 600 is heated, substrate 800 or pill(s) vaporize. In various embodiments the heating temperature can be 295 degrees Celsius. The heated air and gas can be filtered or screened through one, two or three filters or screens 500 and then cooled in the upper part of tube 300 before being output. In various embodiments the heated air and gas is cooled by at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 percent. In various embodiments the amount of cooling falls within an inclusive range of between any two of the above referenced cooling percentages inclusive of the endpoints.

[0081] Substrate 800 is shown in spherical form, but is not limited to any particular shape. Additionally, second end 620 of cup 600 being rounded or hemispherically shaped tends to cause any liquid contents of substrate 800 to more evenly spread out at the second end 620 of cup 600 for enhancing vaporization of said liquid contents. Spread out portion 802 is schematically shown in FIG. 10. Preferably, when substrate 800 is a liquid (such as when a capsule is used), the height of the capsule holding substrate 800 is smaller than the edges 652 and 662 of slots 650 and 660. This is because when capsule is ruptured / deteriorated by heat the contained liquid will not spill over edges 652 and 660 and into device 100.

[0082] In various embodiments multiple substrates 800, 800′, 800″ can be mixed in cup 600 to provide options for users. For example, substrate 800 can include nicotine while substrate 800′ can include tobacco, and / or substrate 800″ can include hemp or cannabis. Substrate 800 can be any form such as solids, liquids, and / or oils.

[0083] In various embodiments, silicone ring 6 can fix the position of tube 1 relative to heating device. In various embodiments, ring 800 is made of elastic material with good adaptability (e.g., silicone). In various embodiments ring 800 can be used for identification, which can be printed with characters or distinguished by color.

[0084] In various embodiments top 400 can prevent dust and facilitate easy access to bore 330 of tube 300.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of assembled aerosol delivery tubes 250, 250′, 250″, and 250″′ packaged for sale in packaging 1000.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insert having first 510 and second 520 ends, wherein the insert can be placed in the tube 300 with the insert having helical or spiral vanes 550 creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes 550. Insert can have a height 542 and width / diameter 540. The distance 552 between vanes 550 can be such that the vanes span the respective interior bore of tube 300.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, an assembled atomizer device / method 250 for achieving atomization function based on air heating technology is provided, comprising: (a) a tube 300 (which can be comprised of glass), (b) a cup 600 for holding substrate 800, (c) a cap or lid 400, (d) substrate 800, and (e) alternatively, and a ring or band 370 (which can comprise silicone). FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tube 250 of the aerosol delivery tube 250.

[0088] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around cup 600 (schematically indicated by arrow 140), entering the interior 602 of cup 600 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 142), heating and vaporizing substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrow 146) causing the vapor to continue up second tube bore 350 (schematically indicated by arrow 367) until reaching first end 310 of tube 300 and a user's mouth (schematically indicated by arrow 369). In FIG. 17 heat source 140 is schematically shown as being spaced apart from second end 320 of tube 300. Alternatively, heat source 140 can be located immediately adjacent second end 320 and / or located circumferentially around second end 320 and / or cup 600.

[0089] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17 is a perspective view of another embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 which differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 by the tube 300 having two interior bore sizes (first bore 340 with diameter 342 and second bore 350 with diameter 352) compared to three interior bore sizes (first bore 340, second bore 350, and third bore 360) of tube 300 in FIG. 3. The omission of the third bore 360 omits shoulder 356 that originally restricts the maximum depth that cup 600 can be inserted into tube 300 (and also allowed filter or screen 500 to be wedged between cup 600 and shoulder 356). However, when filter or screen 500 is not present, shoulder 356 can be omitted from tube 300 making tube 300 a two bore (first 340 and second 350 bores) device. However, three bores can still be used even without filter or screen 500 because shoulder 356 restrict the maximum amount that cup 600 can be inserted into tube 300 along with providing a sensory indicator that cup 600 has been fully inserted into tube 300. If shoulder 356 is omitted, cup 600 could possibly be inserted into tube 300 to such an extent that the bending of arms 630 and 640 (when entering second bore 350) would be increased to where one or both arms 630 or 640 could fracture off of cup 600. Without shoulder 356, the risk of inserting cup 600 too far into tube 300 can be reduced by carefully limiting insertion of cup 600 until second end 620 of cup 600 lines up with second end 320 of tube 300. However, shoulder 356 is preferred in having a hard stop on the amount of insertion of cup 600 into tube 300.

[0090] FIGS. 18 through 25 show a third embodiment where an alternative cup 600′ includes an interior cylinder 700 and optionally one or more openings 740. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a tube 300 that can be used in a third embodiment where the tube 300, like the one shown in FIG. 3 and having three interior bore sizes (first 340, second 350, and third 360 bores). FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative cup 600′ that can be used in various embodiments where the cup 600′ includes an interior cylinder 700 creating an annular space 790 between the outer wall of the interior cylinder 700 and the inner walls of the arms 630,640 of the cup 600′. FIG. 20 is a top view of cup 600′.

[0091] FIGS. 20 and 21 are top views of the cup of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24, and FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 25-25. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup 600′ placed in tube 300 with a portion of the tube 300 removed to better show the two annular spaces 348 and 790.

[0092] Preferably both shoulder 346 and first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate shoulder 346 causing first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly towards each other when cup 600′ is being inserted into second bore 350 (FIG. 23 shows cup 600′ after insertion). Preferably diameter 606 of cup 600 is smaller than diameter 342 of first bore 340 creating annular space 348. Also preferably depths 653, 663 of slots 650 and 660 is greater than height 354 of second bore 350 so that pathways in slots 650 and 660 will remain after cup 600′ is inserted in second bore 350.

[0093] In various embodiments the widths of slots 650 and 660 can be about 1.3 mm. In various embodiments the depths 653,663 of slots 650 and 660 can be at least 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.3 millimeters. In various embodiments the depths 653,663 of slots 650 and 660 can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced depths (inclusive of end points of said ranges).

[0094] In various embodiments the size of each flow pathway (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) is at least 0.75 square millimeters. In various embodiments the said of each flow pathway is at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 square millimeters. In various embodiments the size of each flow pathway can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced sizes (inclusive of end points of said ranges).

[0095] In various embodiments, the size of flow pathways (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) are adjustable based on the amount of relative longitudinal insertion of cup 600′ into tube 300 (and second bore 350). Generally, from the time cup 600′ first enters second bore 350, the greater the amount of longitudinal insertion of cup 600′ into said bore 350, the smaller the size of the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) until such time as further insertion of cup 600′ is restricted by shoulder 356. If shoulder 356 is omitted, then the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) can actually be cut off where the depths 653,663 reach shoulder 346. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25, 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, and 100 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced percentages (inclusive of the endpoints of the ranges). In various embodiments cup 600′ can be rotated relative to tube 300 without impacting the size of the flow pathways.

[0096] Interior cylinder 700 can be used to minimize the amount of melted / liquid substrate that leaving interior bore 704, passing through slot(s) 650 and / or 660, migrating down annular space 348, and possibly contaminating heat generator 140.

[0097] Interior cylinder 700 can have first end 710, second end 720 with exterior wall 701, and interior bore 704. In this embodiment, alternative cup 600′ includes interior cylinder 700 creating an annular space 790 (generally between outer wall 701 of cylinder 700 and interior walls 631,641 of arms 630, 640). One or more openings 740 can fluidly connect interior bore 704 and annular space 790.

[0098] Preferably height 748 of interior cylinder 700 can be the same as height 604 of arms 630 and 640. Alternatively, height 748 can be between heights 651,661 and heights 653,663 (where heights 653 and 663 are the same and heights 651 and 661 are the same). In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 25 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 50 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 75 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can fall within a range of between the heights 651,661 plus 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the depths 653 and 663 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0099] FIGS. 19-24 show two openings 740 aligned with slots 650 and 660. In various embodiments openings 740 can be angularly offset from slots 650 and 660. In various embodiments the angular offset can be greater than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees. In various embodiments the amount of angular offset can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced amounts of angular offset inclusive of the endpoints.

[0100] FIGS. 19-24 show two openings 740. In various embodiments the quantity of openings 740 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. In various embodiments the number of openings 740 can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced number of openings inclusive of the endpoints.

[0101] Preferably height 744 of openings 740 is less than the heights 651,661 (where heights 651 and 661 are the same). In various embodiments height 744 can fall within a range of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the heights 651 and 661 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0102] Preferably height 804 of substate 800 is greater than height 744 of plurality of openings 740. In various embodiments the height of substrate 800 can fall between height 744 and height 651,661 where heights 651 and 661 are the same. In various embodiments height 804 can be the height 744 plus 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the difference between heights 651 and 661 and height 744. In various embodiments height 804 can fall within a range of between any two of the above specified heights 804 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0103] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and convective air flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around alternative cup 600′ (schematically indicated by arrows 140), entering the annular space 790 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 144), and flowing upwardly (schematically indicated by arrow 146). No substrate 800 is shown in FIG. 23 to make the features of tube 300 and cup 600′ (along with heat and convective flow pathways) easier to identify.

[0104] Convective air flow can pass through annular gap 348 (between cup 600′ and interior wall 360) and into the plurality of openings to the annular space 790 between cylinder 700 and interior of cup 600′ (e.g., between shoulder 346 and first / second bases 652 / 662 of first / second slots 650 / 660). Because first / second arms 630 / 640 are in contact with interior wall 360 of tube 300, convective air flow is expected to be directed through slots 630 and 660. Additionally, heat from heat generator can pass through second end 620 of cup 600′ either conductively and / or via radiative heat modes, and enter the interior 704 of cylinder 700 (schematically indicated by arrow 147). Both modes of heating (schematically indicated by arrows 146 and 147) are believed to combine thereby heating, melting, and vaporizing any substrate 800 (which had been previously placed in interior bore 704 of cylinder 700).

[0105] To better show the impact of heating on substrate 800 various views of alternative cup 600′ are provided without showing tube 300. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (taken along the lines 22,24-22,24) with non-heated substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700. In FIG. 22 height 804 of substrate 800 is greater than the height 744 of plurality of openings 740. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (also taken along the lines 22,24-22,24) now with partially heated / melted substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700. Heat source 140 is shown schematically supplying heat with arrows 142 schematically indicating convective air flow via annular space 348 (annular space 248 is not shown) and then upwardly via annular space 790 (arrows 146), and conductive / radiative heat flow through second end 620 of alternative cup 600′ schematically indicated by arrow 147. FIG. 25 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (taken along the lines 25-25) also with partially heated / melted substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700.

[0106] In FIGS. 24 and 25 substrate 800 is now shown having at least partially melted with first portion 802 being in bore 704 of cylinder 700 and second portion 854 having entered annular space 790 via plurality of openings 740 (arrows 806 schematically indicated the flow of melted substrate from bore 704 into annular space 790). FIG. 25 shows substrate 800 is now additionally melted with first portion 802 being in bore 704 of cylinder 700 and more of second portion 854 having melted and entered annular space 790.

[0107] With alternative cup 600′ two pathways exist for the movement of substrate 800 that has been vaporized: (a) via interior bore 704 (schematically indicated by arrows 862) and (b) via annular space 790 (schematically indicated by arrows 872). This dual set of vaporization pathways is believed to maximize vaporization of substrate 800 and minimize the risk of melted substrate contaminating heat source 140.

[0108] It has been found that melted substrate 800 has a tendency to climb walls (or wick) which can be a problem if melted substrate exits one or both slots 650 and / or 660 and falls down on heat source 140 thereby contaminating such heat source 140. Applicant has found that adding interior cylinder 700 with on or more openings 740 substantially reduces and / or eliminates the risk of melted substrate exiting one or both slots 650 and 660 via climbing and / or wicking. Instead, it is believed that the majority of melted substrate that may climb or wick will migrate up the interior wall of cylinder 700 whose first end 710 can be substantially higher than the lower ends 652 and 662 of slots 650 and 660. While migrating up this higher wall of cylinder 700, such melted substrate 800 has additional time for applied heat to vaporize even more of such substrate 800 thereby reducing the possible quantity of melted substrate that can fall back down towards heat source 140. Even where such migrating melted substrate 800 goes over first end 710 of cylinder 700, it will first enter annular space 790 where the migrating substrate sees convective heat flow 146 thereby vaporizing additional portions of such overflowed migrating substrate. The annular area of annular space 790 can be sized to increase the speed of convective air / heat flow through annular space 790. In various embodiments the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can be less than 50 percent of the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704. In various embodiments, the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can be less than 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5 percent the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704. In various embodiments the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can fall within any two of the above referenced percentages of the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704 inclusive of end points.

[0109] The vaporized portions of substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrows 862 in bore 704 and arrows 872 in annular space 790) rise through bore 330 and ultimately exits first end 310 (schematically indicated by arrow 369).

[0110] In various embodiments, the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time is made up of vaporized substrate 800 both from: (a) bore 704 (schematically indicated by arrows 862 in bore 704) and (b) annular space 790 (schematically indicated by arrows 872 in annular space 790). In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 is at least 75 percent of the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time. In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 is at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 97, 98, 99, and 100 percent of the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time. In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 and making up the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time falls within a range of between any two of the above reference percentages (inclusive of end points).

[0111] The following is a list of reference numerals:LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS(Reference No.)(Description)100device for vaporizing and delivering110first end120second end130generally hollow housing140heat generator142arrow144arrow146arrow147arrow150switch170plurality of vent holes250assembled aerosol delivery tube300tube302outer diameter310first end320second end330bore340first bore341inner wall of first bore342diameter344height346shoulder348annular space350second bore351inner wall of second bore352diameter354height355height356shoulder360third bore361inner wall of third bore362diameter364height365height367arrow368arrow369arrow370ring372arrows400cap410first end420second end430shoulder500filter or screen502perimeter edge504arrow510first end520second end530plurality of openings540diameter544thickness550vanes552spacing between vanes600cup602interior604height606outer diameter608inner diameter610first end620second end630first arm631interior wall640second arm641interior wall650first opening651height of first opening652bottom edge of first opening653depth of first opening654width of first opening660second opening661height of second opening662bottom edge of second opening663depth of second opening664width of second opening662bottom edge of second opening670arrows672arrow680first flow pathway682second flow pathway700interior tube or cylinder701outer wall704bore706diameter708diameter710first end720second end740plurality of openings741angular offset742centerline744height745height748height790annular space800substrate802spread out liquid portion804height806flow of melted substrate810vaporized portion850base substrate854liquified substrate which has passed throughone or more of the openings.860vaporized substrate in the bore of the tube orcylinder862flow of vaporized substrate870vaporized substrate in the annular spacebetween the tube or cylinder and the interiorof the first and second arms.872flow of vaporized substrate1000packaging

[0112] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

[0113] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

[0052]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 being inserted (schematically indicated by the arrow) into a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0053]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 now inserted in a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0054]Device 100 has first end 110, second end 120, generally hollow housing 130, and a plurality of ventilation openings. Switch 150 is operatively connected to heat generator 140.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodime...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 770,530, filed on Mar. 12, 2025, the priority of which application is hereby claimed, and such application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In various embodiments the present invention relates to the field of mechanical structure and atomization technology, specifically to a hard material atomizer device and method based on mechanical structure technology.

[0003] Present atomization technology has been widely applied in fields such as medical health, biology, electronic atomization, and air fragrance enhancement. However, the existing atomization heating technology has the following problems:

[0004] 1. Usually uses materials such as plastic, paper, silicone, and metal as carriers for heating. These materials have poor temperature resistance, unstable structure, and are prone to producing toxic and harmful substances, which reduces health and user experience and further have a series of problems such as complex structure, high cost, and unstable operation.

[0005] 2. The longer the storage, the more toxic and harmful substances are added during the atomization process, which damages personal health and causes social harm.

[0006] 3. The additional addition of toxic and harmful gases also reduces the user experience.

[0007] There is a need for a new type of healthy and safe atomization device and method to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,274 for Devices for Vaporizing And Delivering An Aerosol Agent.

[0009] While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. In various embodiments is provided a hard material atomizer device and method based on mechanical structure technology, which avoids the use of plastic, paper, silicone, and metal as carriers for heating through a novel structural design.

[0011] Various embodiments have avoided the production of unhealthy problems of toxic and harmful substances, odors, and harmful gases that are easily generated in prior art devices.

[0012] Various embodiments incorporate the advantages of simple and novel mechanism, safe and healthy use, stability and reliability, small size, low cost, and high efficiency.

[0013] In various embodiments the technical solution follows:

[0014] 1. An atomizer device comprising heating, cooling, filtering, and three components. Two modules for charging and atomization.

[0015] 2. The heating component is used to achieve atomization function, and its structure includes two parts: a substrate storage chamber, a heating airway, and an atomization airway. The cooling component is used to achieve cooling function, and its structure includes two parts: (a) cooling air duct and (b) cooling pipe. The filtering component is used to achieve filtering function, and its structure includes two parts: (a) cooling fins and (b) micropores (the shape is not limited to holes or grooves, etc.).

[0016] 3. The charging module is used for storing and vaporizing the substrate, and its working principle is to preserve the stored liquid or solid drugs without contamination.

[0017] 4. The atomization module is used to convert the stored substrate (solid or liquid) into a gaseous state,

[0018] Note: The appeal unit and function can complete multiple functions within one part, or complete one function in multiple parts, or be combined with each other.

[0019] In various embodiments the advantages of the present invention include:

[0020] 1. Use of inorganic food grade hard materials (such as glass, ceramics, crystals, silicone, etc.) to solve the problem of harmful substances easily generated by high-temperature materials in aerosol generating devices and improving the health of atomization equipment for aerosol generating devices (preferably borosilicate glass can be used);

[0021] 2. The present invention utilizes a novel mechanical structure to achieve its functions, reducing the cost of the aerosol generating tube for aerosol generating devices;

[0022] 3. The simple and novel structure of the present invention improves atomization efficiency.

[0023] It can be comprised of healthy materials such as glass, metals, quartz, ceramics, crystals, and other hard materials, with high temperature resistance, health, safety, and small size. It can be widely used in fields such as medical health, biology, electronic atomization, and air fragrance enhancement.

[0024] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery tube being inserted into a device for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 1 now inserted in a device for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3 now omitting the cap and substrate.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the filter.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cup.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 3 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0035] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 9 with a portion of the tube removed and schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 10 where the tube has been rotated 90 degrees to better show flow through remaining openings in the slots between the arms.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of assembled aerosol delivery tubes packaged for sale.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insert that can be placed in the tube with the insert having helical or spiral vanes creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube which differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 by the tube having two interior bore sizes compared to three interior bore sizes.

[0040] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 14.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tube of FIG. 14.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 14 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end, entering the cup, passing through the filter, and up the tube bore itself.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a tube that can be used in a third embodiment where the tube, like the one shown in FIG. 3 has three interior bore sizes.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative cup that can be used in various embodiments where the cup includes an interior cylinder creating an annular space between the out wall of the interior cylinder and the inner walls of the arms of the cup.

[0045] FIG. 20 is a top view of the cup of FIG. 19.

[0046] FIG. 21 is another top view of the cup of FIG. 19.

[0047] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24.

[0048] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup FIG. 19 placed in the tube of FIG. 18 with a portion of the tube removed to better show the two annular spaces.

[0049] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24.

[0050] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 25-25.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 being inserted (schematically indicated by the arrow) into a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 now inserted in a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0054] Device 100 has first end 110, second end 120, generally hollow housing 130, and a plurality of ventilation openings. Switch 150 is operatively connected to heat generator 140.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250 now omitting the cap 400 and substrate 800. Assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 generally comprises tube 300, cup 600, filter 500, and cap 400.

[0056] In various embodiments, the method and apparatus includes an atomizer device / method 250 based on air heating technology, comprising:

[0057] 1) a tube 300 (which can be comprised of glass),

[0058] 2) a cup 600 for holding substrate 800,

[0059] 3) optional filter plate 500,

[0060] 4) a cap or lid 400,

[0061] 5) substrate 800 (which can be in a pill form),

[0062] 6) alternatively, a ring or band 370 (which can comprise silicone),

[0063] for achieving atomization function.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube 300 which can include first end 310, second end 320, and bore 330 having sidewall 332. Bore 300 can have three portions: first section 340 having length 344 and diameter 342, second section 350 having length 354 and diameter 352, and third section 360 having length 364 and diameter 362. Length 344 plus length 354 plus length 364 equals overall length 365 of tube 300. In various embodiments second section 350 can have a frictionally enhanced interior surface, such as being roughened, knurled, or sandblasted. In various embodiments the frictional enhancing can be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, or 300 percent compared to the non-enhanced surface. In various embodiments the amount of frictional enhancement can fall within an inclusive range between any two of the above referenced percentages.

[0065] Tube 300: Tube 300 can have a length of 47 mm, the wall thickness is 1 mm, the outer diameter is 7 mm, the inner diameter is 5 mm, and the air intake gap is 0.5 mm. In an alternative embodiment the tube is 7 mm in outer diameter and 4.8 mm in inner diameter. The air intake clearance is 0.5 mm.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of cup 600 which can include first end 610, second end 620, interior 602, diameter 606, and a plurality of spaced apart arms (e.g., first arm 630 and second arm 640). First opening 650 can be between arms 630 and 640 and have width 654 and length 652 with bottom edge 652. Second opening can be between arms 630 and 640 and have width 664 and length 662 with bottom edge 662. Second end 620 can be rounded or hemispherically shaped. Preferably diameter 606 is slightly larger than diameter 352 of second bore 350. Also preferably, first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 670) when being inserted into second bore 350.

[0067] Cup: The length of the small glass cup is 12.7 mm, the wall thickness is 0.5 mm, the outer diameter is 4.8 mm, and the width of the air inlet groove is 1.2 mm. In an alternative embodiment the outer diameter of cup is 5 mm, and the air inlet groove is greater or equal to 1.2 mm.

[0068] When placed inside tube 300, the plurality of arms can be forced by interior of tube 300 to bend towards each other (thereby creating a frictional fit between cup 600 and tube 300). In various embodiments the amount of bending can be at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 2.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees. In various embodiments the amount of bending can fall within an inclusive range between any two of the above referenced bending angles inclusive of the endpoints.

[0069] Two arms 630, 640 are shown in the figures. In various the number of arms can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In various embodiments the number of arms can fall within an inclusive range of between any two of the above referenced number of arms. It is expected to increase the amount of airflow from second end 320 of tube 300 into interior of cup 600 with an increase in the number of arms as there will be an increase in the number of slots between said arms and number of entering positions into interior of cup 600.

[0070] Preferably second end 620 is rounded or hemispherically shaped which tends to cause substrate 800 (e.g., when in a small spherical form) to be located in the longitudinal center of tube 300 when tube 300 is vertically positioned thereby causing substrate 800 to see heat from the middle of tube 300 and creating a more even distribution of heating from heat source 140. Additionally, being rounded or hemispherically shaped tends to cause any liquid contents of substrate 800 to more evenly spread out at the second end 620 of cup 600 for enhancing vaporization of said liquid contents.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the filter or screen 500 which can include first end 510, second end 520, perimeter edge 502, and plurality of openings 530. Filter 500 can have diameter 540 and thickness 544. For installation, filter 500 can preferably be wedged between first end 610 of cup 600 and shoulder 356 of second bore 350 when cup 600 is inserted into tube 300 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0072] Filter: Filter or screen 500 can have an outer diameter of 5 mm, thickness of 0.5 mm, and a plurality of inner holes (e.g., four holes each being 1.2 mm). In an alternative embodiment filter or screen 500 can have an outer diameter of 4.8 mm and 4 inner holes of 1.2 mm. In various embodiments, filter or screen 500 can include various helical or spiral vanes creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes (e.g., FIG. 12).

[0073] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically indicating insertion of filter or screen 500 (arrow 504) and cup 600 (arrow 672) into tube 300. Preferably first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 670) when being inserted into second bore 350. Arrows 670 schematically indicate the bending in slightly of first 630 and second 640 arms when being inserted into second bore 350 (as diameter 606 of cup 600 is preferably slightly larger than diameter 354 of second bore 350). Also preferably diameter 606 of cup 600 is smaller than diameter 342 of first bore 340 creating annular space 348. Also preferably depths 653, 663 of slots 650 and 660 (plus thickness 542 of filter 500 when filter 500 is used) is greater than height 354 of second bore 350 so that pathways will remain after cup 600 is fully inserted in second bore 350.

[0074] In various embodiments, the size of flow pathways (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) are adjustable based on the amount of relative longitudinal insertion of cup 600 into tube 300 (and second bore 350). Generally, from the time cup 600 first enters second bore 350, the greater the amount of insertion of cup 600 into said bore 350, the smaller the size of the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) until such time as further insertion of cup 600 is restricted by shoulder 356. If shoulder 356 is omitted, then the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) can actually be cut off where the depths 653,663 reach shoulder 346. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25, 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, and 100 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced percentages (inclusive of the endpoints of the ranges). In various embodiments cup 600 can be rotated relative to tube 300 without impacting the size of the flow pathways.

[0075] Ring: Ring or band 370 shown in FIG. 3 can be comprised of anti-slip silicone having a length of 8 mm and a thickness of 0.2 mm. As schematically indicated by arrows 372 ring or band 370 can be selectively located about the length of tube 300 (e.g., as selected by a user such as for example to space second end 320 of tube 300 from heat source 140)). Such positioning by a user of ring or band 370 can longitudinally locate second end 320 of aerosol delivery tube 250 in aerosol delivery device (schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0076] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around cup 600 (schematically indicated by arrow 140), entering the interior 602 of cup 600 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 144), heating and vaporizing substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrow 146) causing the vapor to pass through the filter or screen 500 via plurality of openings 530, and continuing up third tube bore 360 (schematically indicated by arrow 367) until reaching first end 310 of tube 300 and a user's mouth (schematically indicated by arrow 369). FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat and flow from the second end 320, entering the cup 600, passing through the filter or screen 500, and up the tube bore 300 itself. In FIG. 10 heat source 140 is schematically shown as being spaced apart from second end 320 of tube 300. Alternatively, heat source 140 can be located immediately adjacent second end 320 and / or located circumferentially around second end 320 and / or cup 600.

[0077] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of FIG. 10 where the tube has been rotated 90 degrees to better show flow through remaining openings in the slots between the arms.

[0078] Air flow can pass through annular gap 348 (between cup 600 and interior wall 360) and into the plurality of openings to the interior of cup 600 (e.g., between shoulder 346 and first / second bases 652 / 662 of first / second slots 650 / 660). Because first / second arms 630 / 640 are in contact with interior wall 360 of tube 300, air flow is expected to be directed through slots 630 and 660.

[0079] In various embodiments heated air can enter from the bottom annular airway 348 (e.g., there is a gap between the outer diameter of cup 600 and the inner diameter of tube 300 as the airway, forming an annular cross-sectional area). FIGS. 90 and 10 schematically show the working airflow diagram. After heating from heat generator 140, heated air enters from the bottom 320 of tube 300, through annular space 348 and into the interior of cup 600 thereby heating substrate 800 and vaporizing at least part of it. The vaporized portion of substrate 800 rises in the interior of cup 600 and then passes through filter or screen 500 via the plurality of openings 530. As the vaporized portion of substrate 800 passes through filter or screen 500 the vaporized portion is cooled. The cooled vaporized portion continues to rise through bore 330 (schematically indicated by arrows 367 and 368) and ultimately exits first end 310 (schematically indicated by arrow 369).

[0080] After cup 600 is heated, substrate 800 or pill(s) vaporize. In various embodiments the heating temperature can be 295 degrees Celsius. The heated air and gas can be filtered or screened through one, two or three filters or screens 500 and then cooled in the upper part of tube 300 before being output. In various embodiments the heated air and gas is cooled by at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 percent. In various embodiments the amount of cooling falls within an inclusive range of between any two of the above referenced cooling percentages inclusive of the endpoints.

[0081] Substrate 800 is shown in spherical form, but is not limited to any particular shape. Additionally, second end 620 of cup 600 being rounded or hemispherically shaped tends to cause any liquid contents of substrate 800 to more evenly spread out at the second end 620 of cup 600 for enhancing vaporization of said liquid contents. Spread out portion 802 is schematically shown in FIG. 10. Preferably, when substrate 800 is a liquid (such as when a capsule is used), the height of the capsule holding substrate 800 is smaller than the edges 652 and 662 of slots 650 and 660. This is because when capsule is ruptured / deteriorated by heat the contained liquid will not spill over edges 652 and 660 and into device 100.

[0082] In various embodiments multiple substrates 800, 800′, 800″ can be mixed in cup 600 to provide options for users. For example, substrate 800 can include nicotine while substrate 800′ can include tobacco, and / or substrate 800″ can include hemp or cannabis. Substrate 800 can be any form such as solids, liquids, and / or oils.

[0083] In various embodiments, silicone ring 6 can fix the position of tube 1 relative to heating device. In various embodiments, ring 800 is made of elastic material with good adaptability (e.g., silicone). In various embodiments ring 800 can be used for identification, which can be printed with characters or distinguished by color.

[0084] In various embodiments top 400 can prevent dust and facilitate easy access to bore 330 of tube 300.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of assembled aerosol delivery tubes 250, 250′, 250″, and 250″′ packaged for sale in packaging 1000.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insert having first 510 and second 520 ends, wherein the insert can be placed in the tube 300 with the insert having helical or spiral vanes 550 creating a vortex for cooling vapors and gases passing through the helical or spiral vanes 550. Insert can have a height 542 and width / diameter 540. The distance 552 between vanes 550 can be such that the vanes span the respective interior bore of tube 300.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, an assembled atomizer device / method 250 for achieving atomization function based on air heating technology is provided, comprising: (a) a tube 300 (which can be comprised of glass), (b) a cup 600 for holding substrate 800, (c) a cap or lid 400, (d) substrate 800, and (e) alternatively, and a ring or band 370 (which can comprise silicone). FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery tube 250. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tube 250 of the aerosol delivery tube 250.

[0088] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube of 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around cup 600 (schematically indicated by arrow 140), entering the interior 602 of cup 600 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 142), heating and vaporizing substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrow 146) causing the vapor to continue up second tube bore 350 (schematically indicated by arrow 367) until reaching first end 310 of tube 300 and a user's mouth (schematically indicated by arrow 369). In FIG. 17 heat source 140 is schematically shown as being spaced apart from second end 320 of tube 300. Alternatively, heat source 140 can be located immediately adjacent second end 320 and / or located circumferentially around second end 320 and / or cup 600.

[0089] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17 is a perspective view of another embodiment an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 which differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 by the tube 300 having two interior bore sizes (first bore 340 with diameter 342 and second bore 350 with diameter 352) compared to three interior bore sizes (first bore 340, second bore 350, and third bore 360) of tube 300 in FIG. 3. The omission of the third bore 360 omits shoulder 356 that originally restricts the maximum depth that cup 600 can be inserted into tube 300 (and also allowed filter or screen 500 to be wedged between cup 600 and shoulder 356). However, when filter or screen 500 is not present, shoulder 356 can be omitted from tube 300 making tube 300 a two bore (first 340 and second 350 bores) device. However, three bores can still be used even without filter or screen 500 because shoulder 356 restrict the maximum amount that cup 600 can be inserted into tube 300 along with providing a sensory indicator that cup 600 has been fully inserted into tube 300. If shoulder 356 is omitted, cup 600 could possibly be inserted into tube 300 to such an extent that the bending of arms 630 and 640 (when entering second bore 350) would be increased to where one or both arms 630 or 640 could fracture off of cup 600. Without shoulder 356, the risk of inserting cup 600 too far into tube 300 can be reduced by carefully limiting insertion of cup 600 until second end 620 of cup 600 lines up with second end 320 of tube 300. However, shoulder 356 is preferred in having a hard stop on the amount of insertion of cup 600 into tube 300.

[0090] FIGS. 18 through 25 show a third embodiment where an alternative cup 600′ includes an interior cylinder 700 and optionally one or more openings 740. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a tube 300 that can be used in a third embodiment where the tube 300, like the one shown in FIG. 3 and having three interior bore sizes (first 340, second 350, and third 360 bores). FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative cup 600′ that can be used in various embodiments where the cup 600′ includes an interior cylinder 700 creating an annular space 790 between the outer wall of the interior cylinder 700 and the inner walls of the arms 630,640 of the cup 600′. FIG. 20 is a top view of cup 600′.

[0091] FIGS. 20 and 21 are top views of the cup of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 22,24-22,24, and FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 21 taken along the lines 25-25. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup 600′ placed in tube 300 with a portion of the tube 300 removed to better show the two annular spaces 348 and 790.

[0092] Preferably both shoulder 346 and first end 610 can be slightly beveled to facilitate shoulder 346 causing first 630 and second 640 arms bending inwardly towards each other when cup 600′ is being inserted into second bore 350 (FIG. 23 shows cup 600′ after insertion). Preferably diameter 606 of cup 600 is smaller than diameter 342 of first bore 340 creating annular space 348. Also preferably depths 653, 663 of slots 650 and 660 is greater than height 354 of second bore 350 so that pathways in slots 650 and 660 will remain after cup 600′ is inserted in second bore 350.

[0093] In various embodiments the widths of slots 650 and 660 can be about 1.3 mm. In various embodiments the depths 653,663 of slots 650 and 660 can be at least 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.3 millimeters. In various embodiments the depths 653,663 of slots 650 and 660 can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced depths (inclusive of end points of said ranges).

[0094] In various embodiments the size of each flow pathway (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) is at least 0.75 square millimeters. In various embodiments the said of each flow pathway is at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 square millimeters. In various embodiments the size of each flow pathway can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced sizes (inclusive of end points of said ranges).

[0095] In various embodiments, the size of flow pathways (between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) are adjustable based on the amount of relative longitudinal insertion of cup 600′ into tube 300 (and second bore 350). Generally, from the time cup 600′ first enters second bore 350, the greater the amount of longitudinal insertion of cup 600′ into said bore 350, the smaller the size of the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) until such time as further insertion of cup 600′ is restricted by shoulder 356. If shoulder 356 is omitted, then the flow pathways (i.e., the pathways between depths 653,663 and shoulder 346) can actually be cut off where the depths 653,663 reach shoulder 346. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways is greater than 25, 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, and 100 percent. In various embodiments the adjustable reduction of the size of the flow pathways can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced percentages (inclusive of the endpoints of the ranges). In various embodiments cup 600′ can be rotated relative to tube 300 without impacting the size of the flow pathways.

[0096] Interior cylinder 700 can be used to minimize the amount of melted / liquid substrate that leaving interior bore 704, passing through slot(s) 650 and / or 660, migrating down annular space 348, and possibly contaminating heat generator 140.

[0097] Interior cylinder 700 can have first end 710, second end 720 with exterior wall 701, and interior bore 704. In this embodiment, alternative cup 600′ includes interior cylinder 700 creating an annular space 790 (generally between outer wall 701 of cylinder 700 and interior walls 631,641 of arms 630, 640). One or more openings 740 can fluidly connect interior bore 704 and annular space 790.

[0098] Preferably height 748 of interior cylinder 700 can be the same as height 604 of arms 630 and 640. Alternatively, height 748 can be between heights 651,661 and heights 653,663 (where heights 653 and 663 are the same and heights 651 and 661 are the same). In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 25 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 50 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can be greater than the heights 651,661 plus 75 percent of the depths 653 and 663. In various embodiments height 748 can fall within a range of between the heights 651,661 plus 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the depths 653 and 663 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0099] FIGS. 19-24 show two openings 740 aligned with slots 650 and 660. In various embodiments openings 740 can be angularly offset from slots 650 and 660. In various embodiments the angular offset can be greater than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees. In various embodiments the amount of angular offset can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced amounts of angular offset inclusive of the endpoints.

[0100] FIGS. 19-24 show two openings 740. In various embodiments the quantity of openings 740 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. In various embodiments the number of openings 740 can fall within a range of between any two of the above referenced number of openings inclusive of the endpoints.

[0101] Preferably height 744 of openings 740 is less than the heights 651,661 (where heights 651 and 661 are the same). In various embodiments height 744 can fall within a range of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the heights 651 and 661 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0102] Preferably height 804 of substate 800 is greater than height 744 of plurality of openings 740. In various embodiments the height of substrate 800 can fall between height 744 and height 651,661 where heights 651 and 661 are the same. In various embodiments height 804 can be the height 744 plus 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, or 100 percent of the difference between heights 651 and 661 and height 744. In various embodiments height 804 can fall within a range of between any two of the above specified heights 804 inclusive of the endpoints.

[0103] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 schematically showing heat from heat generator 140 of device 100 (where tube 250 is inserted in device 100) and convective air flow from the second end 320 via annular space 348 around alternative cup 600′ (schematically indicated by arrows 140), entering the annular space 790 via first 650 and / or second 660 slots (schematically indicated by arrow 144), and flowing upwardly (schematically indicated by arrow 146). No substrate 800 is shown in FIG. 23 to make the features of tube 300 and cup 600′ (along with heat and convective flow pathways) easier to identify.

[0104] Convective air flow can pass through annular gap 348 (between cup 600′ and interior wall 360) and into the plurality of openings to the annular space 790 between cylinder 700 and interior of cup 600′ (e.g., between shoulder 346 and first / second bases 652 / 662 of first / second slots 650 / 660). Because first / second arms 630 / 640 are in contact with interior wall 360 of tube 300, convective air flow is expected to be directed through slots 630 and 660. Additionally, heat from heat generator can pass through second end 620 of cup 600′ either conductively and / or via radiative heat modes, and enter the interior 704 of cylinder 700 (schematically indicated by arrow 147). Both modes of heating (schematically indicated by arrows 146 and 147) are believed to combine thereby heating, melting, and vaporizing any substrate 800 (which had been previously placed in interior bore 704 of cylinder 700).

[0105] To better show the impact of heating on substrate 800 various views of alternative cup 600′ are provided without showing tube 300. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (taken along the lines 22,24-22,24) with non-heated substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700. In FIG. 22 height 804 of substrate 800 is greater than the height 744 of plurality of openings 740. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (also taken along the lines 22,24-22,24) now with partially heated / melted substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700. Heat source 140 is shown schematically supplying heat with arrows 142 schematically indicating convective air flow via annular space 348 (annular space 248 is not shown) and then upwardly via annular space 790 (arrows 146), and conductive / radiative heat flow through second end 620 of alternative cup 600′ schematically indicated by arrow 147. FIG. 25 is a sectional view of cup 600′ (taken along the lines 25-25) also with partially heated / melted substrate 800 in bore 704 of cylinder 700.

[0106] In FIGS. 24 and 25 substrate 800 is now shown having at least partially melted with first portion 802 being in bore 704 of cylinder 700 and second portion 854 having entered annular space 790 via plurality of openings 740 (arrows 806 schematically indicated the flow of melted substrate from bore 704 into annular space 790). FIG. 25 shows substrate 800 is now additionally melted with first portion 802 being in bore 704 of cylinder 700 and more of second portion 854 having melted and entered annular space 790.

[0107] With alternative cup 600′ two pathways exist for the movement of substrate 800 that has been vaporized: (a) via interior bore 704 (schematically indicated by arrows 862) and (b) via annular space 790 (schematically indicated by arrows 872). This dual set of vaporization pathways is believed to maximize vaporization of substrate 800 and minimize the risk of melted substrate contaminating heat source 140.

[0108] It has been found that melted substrate 800 has a tendency to climb walls (or wick) which can be a problem if melted substrate exits one or both slots 650 and / or 660 and falls down on heat source 140 thereby contaminating such heat source 140. Applicant has found that adding interior cylinder 700 with on or more openings 740 substantially reduces and / or eliminates the risk of melted substrate exiting one or both slots 650 and 660 via climbing and / or wicking. Instead, it is believed that the majority of melted substrate that may climb or wick will migrate up the interior wall of cylinder 700 whose first end 710 can be substantially higher than the lower ends 652 and 662 of slots 650 and 660. While migrating up this higher wall of cylinder 700, such melted substrate 800 has additional time for applied heat to vaporize even more of such substrate 800 thereby reducing the possible quantity of melted substrate that can fall back down towards heat source 140. Even where such migrating melted substrate 800 goes over first end 710 of cylinder 700, it will first enter annular space 790 where the migrating substrate sees convective heat flow 146 thereby vaporizing additional portions of such overflowed migrating substrate. The annular area of annular space 790 can be sized to increase the speed of convective air / heat flow through annular space 790. In various embodiments the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can be less than 50 percent of the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704. In various embodiments, the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can be less than 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5 percent the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704. In various embodiments the horizontal cross sectional area of annular air space 790 can fall within any two of the above referenced percentages of the horizontal cross sectional area of interior bore 704 inclusive of end points.

[0109] The vaporized portions of substrate 800 (schematically indicated by arrows 862 in bore 704 and arrows 872 in annular space 790) rise through bore 330 and ultimately exits first end 310 (schematically indicated by arrow 369).

[0110] In various embodiments, the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time is made up of vaporized substrate 800 both from: (a) bore 704 (schematically indicated by arrows 862 in bore 704) and (b) annular space 790 (schematically indicated by arrows 872 in annular space 790). In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 is at least 75 percent of the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time. In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 is at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 97, 98, 99, and 100 percent of the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time. In various embodiments the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving annular space 790 and making up the total amount of vaporized substrate 800 leaving cup 600′ at any point in time falls within a range of between any two of the above reference percentages (inclusive of end points).

[0111] The following is a list of reference numerals:LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS(Reference No.)(Description)100device for vaporizing and delivering110first end120second end130generally hollow housing140heat generator142arrow144arrow146arrow147arrow150switch170plurality of vent holes250assembled aerosol delivery tube300tube302outer diameter310first end320second end330bore340first bore341inner wall of first bore342diameter344height346shoulder348annular space350second bore351inner wall of second bore352diameter354height355height356shoulder360third bore361inner wall of third bore362diameter364height365height367arrow368arrow369arrow370ring372arrows400cap410first end420second end430shoulder500filter or screen502perimeter edge504arrow510first end520second end530plurality of openings540diameter544thickness550vanes552spacing between vanes600cup602interior604height606outer diameter608inner diameter610first end620second end630first arm631interior wall640second arm641interior wall650first opening651height of first opening652bottom edge of first opening653depth of first opening654width of first opening660second opening661height of second opening662bottom edge of second opening663depth of second opening664width of second opening662bottom edge of second opening670arrows672arrow680first flow pathway682second flow pathway700interior tube or cylinder701outer wall704bore706diameter708diameter710first end720second end740plurality of openings741angular offset742centerline744height745height748height790annular space800substrate802spread out liquid portion804height806flow of melted substrate810vaporized portion850base substrate854liquified substrate which has passed throughone or more of the openings.860vaporized substrate in the bore of the tube orcylinder862flow of vaporized substrate870vaporized substrate in the annular spacebetween the tube or cylinder and the interiorof the first and second arms.872flow of vaporized substrate1000packaging

[0112] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

[0113] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0051]Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

[0052]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 being inserted (schematically indicated by the arrow) into a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0053]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled aerosol delivery tube 250 now inserted in a device 100 for vaporizing an aerosol agent.

[0054]Device 100 has first end 110, second end 120, generally hollow housing 130, and a plurality of ventilation openings. Switch 150 is operatively connected to heat generator 140.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodime...

Claims

1-5. (canceled)6. An aerosol delivery device comprising:(a) a cylindrical shell, the shell having first and second ends, an interior shell wall, and a bore extending from the first to the second end of the shell;(b) a cup having a cup interior, first and second opposed ends, and first and second spaced apart arms with first and second slots located between the spaced apart arms, wherein the first slot extends from the first end of the cup to a first base of the first slot, and the second slot extending from the first end of the cup to a second base of the second slot;(c) wherein, the cup is frictionally connected to the shell by the first and second spaced apart arms being moved from a first spaced apart position to a second spaced apart position, wherein the first and second spaced apart arms are closer to each other in the second spaced apart position than in the first spaced apart position and the first and second spaced apart arms in the second spaced apart position attempt to move towards the first spaced apart position thereby creating a frictional connection between the cup and the interior shell wall;(d) wherein, for a lower portion of the cup, an annular space exists between the cup and the interior shell wall with at least one of the first and second slots creating a flow pathway between at the annular pathway and the cup interior; and(e) a substrate located in the interior of the cup.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the bore includes first, second, and third bore sections, the first bore section having a first bore size, the second bore section having a second bore size, and the third bore section having a third bore size, wherein the first bore size is larger than the second bore size, and the second bore size is larger than the third bore size, and the cup is frictionally connected to the interior shell wall in the second bore section, wherein both of the first and second slots creating a flow pathway between the annular pathway and the cup interior, and the cup of is cylindrically shaped and the second end of the cup is hemispherically shaped.8-9. (canceled)10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the first base of the first slot and the second base of the second slot are located a height that is above the substrate, and the substrate is a size that does not pass through the first or second slots.

11. (canceled)12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein a filter disk is wedged between the cup and the second bore section, and the filter disk has a plurality of openings.

13. (canceled)14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the tube, cup, and substrate are package for sale.

15. An aerosol delivery device comprising:(a) a shell, the shell having first and second ends, an interior shell wall, and a bore extending from the first to the second end of the shell;(b) a cup having a cup interior, first and second opposed ends, first and second spaced apart arms with first and second slots located between the first and second spaced apart arms, wherein the first slot extending from the first end of the cup to a first base of the first slot, and the second slot extending from the first end of the cup to a second base of the second slot, a cylinder having first and second cylinder ends, an exterior cylinder wall and a cylinder interior, wherein the cylinder is at least partially located in the cup interior, and a cup annular space exists between the exterior cylinder wall and the first and second spaced apart arms, wherein the cylinder interior is fluidly connected with the cup annular space via at least one opening in the exterior cylinder wall located between the first and second opposed ends of the cup;(c) wherein, the cup is frictionally connected to the shell by the first and second spaced apart arms being moved from a first spaced apart position to a second spaced apart position, wherein the first and second spaced apart arms are closer to each other in the second spaced apart position than in the first spaced apart position, and the first and second spaced apart arms in the second spaced apart position attempt to move towards the first spaced apart position thereby creating a frictional connection between the cup and the interior shell wall;(d) wherein an annular pathway exists between the cup and the interior shell wall with at least one of the first and second slots creating a flow pathway between at the annular pathway and the cup annular space; and(e) a substrate located in the cup interior.

16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the flow pathway between the annular pathway and the cup annular space has an adjustable flow pathway size, wherein the adjustable flow pathway size is changed by the cup being moved relative to the shell about a longitudinal axis of the shell until a shoulder of the shell prevents additional upward relative longitudinal movement of the cup.

17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the shell is tubular and the substrate rises above the at least one opening in the exterior cylinder wall and no substrate is located in the cup annular space, and the first and second cylinder ends are respectively located at the same levels as the cup's first and second opposed ends.

18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the shell is tubular, and the cup annular space is fluidly connected to the cylinder interior via a plurality of openings which are symmetrically spaced about a vertical axis of the cup, and wherein there are two openings and such openings are respectively aligned with the first and second slots.19-20. (canceled)21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the shell is tubular, and an application of heat causes the substrate to at least partially migrate from the cylinder interior and into the cup annular space.

22. (canceled)23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein the application of heat causing at least part of the substate located in the cylinder interior to volatize and at least part of the substate that had migrated into the cup annular space to also volatize, and the part of the substrate volatizing in the cup annular space is at least 90 percent of the total amount of volatizing substrate from both the cylinder interior and cup annular space.

24. (canceled)25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein at the time the height of the substrate located in the cylinder has dropped below a height of the at least one opening in the cylinder wall, more than 90 percent of the substrate has migrated to the cup annular space.

26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein the application of heat causing convective heat flow through the annular pathway and cup annular space.

27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the bore includes first, second, and third bore sections, the first bore section having a first bore size, the second bore section having a second bore size, and the third bore section having a third bore size, wherein the first bore size is larger than the second bore size, and the second bore size is larger than the third bore size, and the cup is frictionally connected to the interior shell wall in the second bore section.

28. (canceled)29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the tube, cup, and substrate are package for sale.

30. A method of vaping comprising:(a) obtaining an aerosol delivery device comprising:(i) a shell, the shell having first and second ends, an interior shell wall, and a bore extending from the first to the second end of the shell;(i) a cup having a cup interior, first and second opposed ends, first and second spaced apart arms with first and second slots located between the first and second spaced apart arms, wherein the first slot extending from the first end of the cup to a first base of the first slot, and the second slot extending from the first end of the cup to a second base of the second slot, a cylinder having first and second cylinder ends, exterior cylinder wall and cylinder interior, wherein the cylinder is at least partially located in the cup interior and a cup annular space exists between the exterior cylinder wall and the first and second spaced apart arms, wherein the cylinder interior is fluidly connected with the cup annular space via at least one opening in the exterior cylinder wall located between the first and second opposed ends of the cup;(iii) wherein, the cup is frictionally connected to the shell by the first and second spaced apart arms being moved from a first spaced apart position to a second spaced apart position, wherein the first and second spaced apart arms are closer to each other in the second spaced apart position than in the first spaced apart position and the first and second spaced apart arms in the second spaced apart position attempt to move towards the first spaced apart position thereby creating a frictional connection between the cup and the interior shell wall;(iv) wherein an annular pathway exists between the cup and the interior shell wall with at least one of the first and second slots creating a flow pathway between at the annular pathway and the cup annular space;(v) a substrate located in the cup interior; and(vi) wherein the tube, cup, and substrate are package for sale in packaging;(b) after step “a”, removing the tube, cup, and substrate from the packaging and at least partially inserting them into a device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent;(c) after step “b”, causing the device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent to apply heat to the substrate thereby creating a convective heat flow through the annular pathway and into the annular space which convective heat flow contributes to the melting and volatization of at least part of the substrate, and causing at least part of the substrate migrate into the annular space; and(d) ingesting at least part of the volatized substrate from step “c”.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “a” the flow pathway between the annular pathway and the cup annular space has an adjustable flow pathway size, wherein the adjustable flow pathway size is changed by the cup being moved relative to the shell about a longitudinal axis of the shell until the a shoulder of the shell prevents additional upward relative longitudinal movement of the cup.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “a” the shell is tubular and the substrate rises above the at least one opening in the exterior cylinder wall and is not located in the cup annular space, and the first and second cylinder ends are respectively located at the same levels as the cup's first and second opposed ends.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “a” wherein the shell is tubular, and the cup annular space is fluidly connected to the cylinder interior via a plurality of openings which are symmetrically spaced about a vertical axis of the cup, and wherein there are two openings and such openings are respectively aligned with the first and second slots.

34. (canceled)35. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “a” the plurality of openings are radially offset from the first and second slots.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “c” the shell is tubular, and an application of heat causes the substrate to at least partially migrate from the cylinder interior and into the cup annular space.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein in step “c” the application of heat causing at least part of the substate located in the cylinder interior to volatize and at least part of the substate that had migrated into the cup annular space to also volatize.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein in step “c” substate stops migrating from the cylinder interior to the cup annular space because the height of the substrate located in the cylinder has dropped below a height of the at least one opening in the cylinder wall.39-41. (canceled)42. The method of claim 30, wherein in step “d” the application of heat causing at least part of the substate located in the cylinder interior to volatize and at least part of the substate that had migrated into the cup annular space to also volatize, and the part of the substrate volatizing in the cup annular space is at least 90 percent of the total amount of volatizing substrate from both the cylinder interior and cup annular space.

Images