Cartridges for vaporizer devices

Abstract

Vaporizer cartridges for vaporizer devices are disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the cartridge can include a collector that includes a microfluidic gate and an overflow channel. The overflow channel includes a plurality of spaced-apart constriction points of different sizes configured to move fluid through a passageway of the collector. Vaporizer devices are also disclosed herein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 597,633, filed on Nov. 9, 2023, and entitled “Cartridges for Vaporizer Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to vaporizer cartridges and vaporizer devices using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which can also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used for delivery of an aerosol (for example, a vapor-phase and / or condensed-phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporizing device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of vaporizer devices that are battery powered and that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without burning of tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices are gaining increasing popularity both for prescriptive medical use, in delivering medicaments, and for consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient for use.

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

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by a vaporizer device, a user may, in certain examples, activate the vaporizer device by taking a puff, by pressing a button, and / or by some other approach. A puff as used herein can refer to inhalation by the user in a manner that causes a volume of air to be drawn into the vaporizer device such that the inhalable aerosol is generated by a combination of the vaporized vaporizable material with the volume of air.

[0006] An approach by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporization chamber (e.g., a heater chamber or atomizer) to cause the vaporizable material to be converted to the gas (or vapor) phase. A vaporization chamber can refer to an area or volume in the vaporizer device within which a heat source (for example, a conductive, convective, and / or radiative heat source) causes heating of a vaporizable material to produce a mixture of air and vaporized material to form a vapor for inhalation of the vaporizable material by a user of the vaporizer device.

[0007] In some implementations, the vaporizable material can be drawn out of a reservoir and into the vaporization chamber. However, application of heat, manual pressure, or any type of negative pressure event (e.g., pressure drop inside an airplane cabin) may cause the air volume and / or bubbles in a cartridge reservoir to expand as the ambient pressure becomes negative in relation to the internal pressure. Disadvantageously, such pressure changes result in the vaporizable material overflowing out of the reservoir, e.g., through a wicking element, and directly into the fluid passageway (e.g., airflow passageway) of the cartridge. This can allow for direct inhalation of vaporizable material, in liquid form, thereby causing an undesirable sensation or taste in the user's mouth.

[0008] Alternatively, or in addition, in some implementations, vaporizing vaporizable material into an aerosol may result in condensate collecting along one or more internal channels and outlets (e.g., along the airflow tube and / or a mouthpiece) of some vaporizer devices. For example, such condensate may include vaporizable material that was drawn from a reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into the condensate prior to exiting the vaporizer device. Moreover, the condensate can travel away from the mouthpiece and ultimately form a meniscus over one or more of the air inlets of the airflow tube. As a result, the condensate can be directly inhaled by the user during use of the vaporizer device, thereby creating both an unpleasant user experience as well as decreasing the amount of inhalable aerosol otherwise available. Furthermore, the buildup and loss of condensate can ultimately result in the inability to draw all of the vaporizable material from the reservoir and into the vaporization chamber, thereby wasting vaporizable material. For example, as vaporizable material particulates accumulate in the internal channels of an airflow tube downstream of the vaporization chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the airflow tube narrows, thus increasing the flow rate of the air and thereby applying drag forces onto the accumulated fluid consequently amplifying the potential to entrain fluid from the internal channels and through the mouthpiece outlet.

[0009] Vaporizable material leaks in general are problematic because such leaks typically interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer device (e.g., leaked vaporizable material plugs the electric ports or makes a mess that requires cleaning). Additionally, user experience is negatively impacted by leakage of vaporizable material from a cartridge due to the possibility of staining or damaging other articles or fabrics adjacent to a leaking cartridge.

[0010] Accordingly, vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges that address one or more of these issues are desired.SUMMARY

[0011] In certain aspects of the current subject matter, challenges associated with direct inhalation of vaporizable material in liquid form can be addressed by inclusion of one or more of the features described herein or comparable / equivalent approaches as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Aspects of the current subject matter relate to vaporizer cartridges for use in a vaporizer device and vaporizer devices.

[0012] In some implementations, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any feasible combination.

[0013] In one implementation, an exemplary cartridge for a vaporizer device includes a cartridge housing that includes a reservoir configured to selectively contain a liquid vaporizable material. The cartridge housing has a cross-section that tapers towards an outlet of the cartridge. The collector has a collector body that includes a microfluidic gate configured for controlling flow of the liquid vaporizable material between a storage chamber of the reservoir and an adjoining overflow volume. The collector body also includes an overflow channel configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to move along a length of a passageway of the overflow channel. The overflow channel includes a plurality of spaced-apart first constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than portions of the passageway between the first constriction points, and at least two of the first constriction points have a different cross-sectional area relative to each other.

[0014] In some implementations, the microfluidic gate includes a plurality of openings and a pinch-off point between the plurality of openings, the plurality of openings connecting to a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel.

[0015] In some implementations, the microfluidic gate includes a first channel fluidically coupled to a vent, a second channel fluidically coupled to the storage chamber, and a high-drive channel including an upper wall and a lower wall, the high-drive channel originating at a second constriction point and diverging outwardly between the upper wall and the lower wall toward the first capillary channel and the second capillary channel.

[0016] In some implementations, each of the plurality of first constriction points are defined by a plurality of projections extending into the overflow channel from the collector body, wherein a first projection of the plurality of projections has a maximum width that differs from a maximum width of a second projection of the plurality of projections.

[0017] In some implementations, the projections comprise a flat surface directed along the overflow channel in a direction toward the storage chamber and a rounded surface directed along the passageway of the overflow channel in direction away from the storage chamber.

[0018] In some implementations, the overflow channel is disposed around a periphery of the collector and the passageway is formed upon insertion of the collector into the cartridge housing.

[0019] In some implementations, the collector also includes one or more additional passageways disposed therethrough and providing a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer.

[0020] In some implementations, the collector also includes a vaporization channel disposed therethrough that provides a fluid connection between the atomizer and the outlet of the cartridge.

[0021] In some implementations, the vaporization channel includes a baffle. The baffle may be configured to cause mixing of air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel.

[0022] In some implementations, the vaporization channel includes a first segment and a second segment that is upstream of the first segment, and the second segment provides a fluid connection between the first segment and the outlet of the cartridge.

[0023] In some implementations, the second segment has a cross-section that tapers toward the first segment.

[0024] In some implementations, the cartridge may include the atomizer, and the atomizer may include an atomizer housing having a wicking element that may be disposed therein and in fluid communication with the plurality of first channels. The collector may include at least one recess defined therein, and the at least one recess can create a gap between the collector and the atomizer housing that can prevent vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outer-most surface of the collector and a top outer-most surface of the atomizer housing. The atomizer may include a heating element that may have a heating portion that may be disposed within the atomizer housing, and a connecting portion that may be disposed at least partially outside the atomizer housing. The gap may be located between the connecting portion of the heating element and the collector. The collector may also include at least one tab that extends outwards from the bottom-most surface of the collector. The at least one tab may be configured to be inserted into a respective cut-out of the atomizer housing to position a portion of the connecting portion between the at least one tab and the atomizer housing. In such implementations, the at least one recess of the collector may be positioned proximate to the at least one tab. The at least one tab may have a trapezoidal shape.

[0025] In some implementations, the atomizer housing includes one or more inlets disposed therethrough and configured to allow air to enter an internal airflow path within the cartridge housing.

[0026] In some implementations, the vaporization channel includes a substantially rectangular or oval cross-section.

[0027] In some implementations, the vaporization channel includes a bridge extending laterally across the vaporization channel and configured to at least partially separate the air flowing into the internal airflow path.

[0028] In some implementations, the collector further includes an orientation tab extending from the collector and configured to align the collector within the cartridge housing.

[0029] In some implementations, the orientation tab extends from a top-most surface of the collector body.

[0030] In some implementations, the orientation tab is inserted into a corresponding slot formed in the cartridge housing.

[0031] In some implementations, the one or more additional passageways includes one or more liquid feed channels.

[0032] In some implementations, the collector further includes one or more recessed inlets disposed at the one or more liquid feed channels.

[0033] In some implementations, the one or more recessed inlets are recessed from an outer surface of the collector.

[0034] In some implementations, the collector further includes one or more ribs extending at least partially into the recessed inlet without blocking the liquid feed channel.

[0035] Vaporizer devices are also disclosed. In one implementation, an exemplary vaporizer device includes a vaporizer body and any cartridge as described above, in which the cartridge is configured to be coupled to the vaporizer body.

[0036] In some implementations, the cartridge may be removable from the vaporizer body.

[0037] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings:

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a vaporizer cartridge having a tapered cartridge housing;

[0040] FIG. 2A is a top view of the vaporizer cartridge housing of FIG. 1 showing a vaporization channel and convex opposing sidewalls.

[0041] FIG. 2B is a top view of another implementation of a vaporizer cartridge, showing an oval vaporization channel.

[0042] FIG. 2C is a top view of another implementation of a vaporizer cartridge, showing a bi-furcated vaporization channel.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the vaporizer cartridge housing of FIG. 1 showing air inlets.

[0044] FIG. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1, taken along a longitudinal plane, showing air flow path through the vaporizer cartridge.

[0045] FIG. 4B is a front cross-sectional view of the vaporizer cartridge, taken along a longitudinal plane, showing air flow path through the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 4A.

[0046] FIG. 4C is a side cross-sectional view of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 2C, taken along a longitudinal plane, showing air flow path through the vaporizer cartridge.

[0047] FIG. 4D is a front cross-sectional view of the vaporizer cartridge, taken along a longitudinal plane, showing air flow path through the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 4C.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a collector of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a magnified view of a portion of the collector of FIG. 5 showing an exemplary implementation of the microfluidic gate.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a side view of the collector of FIG. 5 showing exemplary implementations of a plurality of constriction points.

[0051] FIGS. 8A and 8B are magnified views of a portion of the constriction points of FIG. 7.

[0052] FIGS. 8C and 8D are schematic views illustrative of constriction point dimensions.

[0053] FIG. 9A is a top view of a collector of the vaporizer device of FIG. 2B.

[0054] FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the collector of FIG. 9A.

[0055] FIG. 9C is a front view of the collector of FIG. 9A.

[0056] FIG. 9D is a side view of the collector of FIG. 9A.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1 showing the collector, atomizer, and vaporization channel.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1 showing a baffle in the vaporization channel of the collector.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vaporizer device having a vaporizer body and a cartridge, showing the vaporizer body and cartridge uncoupled from each other.

[0060] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the vaporizer device of FIG. 12, showing the vaporizer cartridge inserted into and coupled to the vaporizer body.

[0061] FIG. 14 is an exploded front view of the atomizer assembly of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 15 is top down perspective view of the atomizer assembly of FIG. 14.

[0063] When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures, features, or elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Implementations of the current subject matter include methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to vaporization of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Example implementations include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. The term “vaporizer device” as used in the following description and claims refers to any of a self-contained apparatus, an apparatus that includes two or more separable parts (for example, a vaporizer body that includes a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge that includes a vaporizable material), and / or the like. A “vaporizer system,” as used herein, can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with implementations of the current subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and / or the like. In general, such vaporizer devices are hand-held devices that heat (such as by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) a vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

[0065] The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device may be provided within a cartridge (for example, a part of the vaporizer that contains the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container) which can be refillable when empty, or disposable such that a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of a same or different type can be used). A vaporizer device may be a cartridge-using vaporizer device, a cartridge-less vaporizer device, or a multi-use vaporizer device capable of use with or without a cartridge. For example, a vaporizer device may include an atomizer (for example, a heating chamber, an oven or other region in which material is heated by a heating element) configured to receive a vaporizable material directly into the heating chamber, and / or a reservoir or the like for containing the vaporizable material.

[0066] In some implementations, a vaporizer device may be configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material. For example, the liquid vaporizable material may include a carrier solution in which an active and / or inactive ingredient(s) are suspended or held in solution. Alternatively, the liquid vaporizable material may be a liquid form of the vaporizable material itself. The liquid vaporizable material may be capable of being completely vaporized. Alternatively, at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material may remain after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been vaporized.

[0067] In such implementations where a vaporizer device is configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material, the cartridge may typically include a reservoir or storage container (also referred to herein as a reservoir, storage compartment, storage chamber, or storage volume) containing a volume of the liquid vaporizable material. As the liquid vaporizable material is heated and converted to the gas phase for inhalation, the volume of the liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir is reduced. Absent a mechanism for allowing air or some other substance into the void space (e.g., a part of the reservoir volume not occupied by liquid vaporizable material) created within the reservoir when the volume of the liquid vaporizable material therein is reduced upon usage, a reduced pressure state (e.g., at least partial vacuum) can be created within the reservoir. This reduced pressure state may adversely affect the efficacy of liquid vaporizable material flowing from the storage chamber or reservoir into proximity of the heating element for vaporization into the gas phase resulting in a lack of sufficient liquid vaporizable material being supplied to the atomizer.

[0068] Conversely, various events can cause the ambient pressure to decrease relative to the internal pressure of the cartridge, for example, the application of heat, manual pressure, any type of negative pressure event (e.g., pressure drop inside an airplane cabin), etc. This change in pressure can cause vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material in liquid form) to leak to the environment or to other portions of the cartridge. By way of example, these undesirable leaks can cause vaporizable material to exit the mouthpiece outlet of the cartridge and deposit into the mouth of a user. Further, condensation formation within an airflow channel (e.g., a vaporization channel) of the cartridge can also cause vaporizable material in the form of condensate to exit the mouthpiece outlet of the cartridge and deposit into the mouth of a user. These events can create both an unpleasant user experience as well as decrease the amount of inhalable aerosol otherwise available. Further, vaporizable material leaks can occur and interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer device, both of which impact a user's experience. Various features and devices are described below that improve upon or overcome these issues.

[0069] The vaporizer cartridges described herein incorporate a collector to address differences in pressure relative to ambient pressure created within the vaporizer device. The collector may have a variety of configurations. For example, in some implementations, the collector may include a microfluidic gate within the collector body that is configured for controlling flow of the liquid vaporizable material between the storage chamber or reservoir and an adjoining overflow volume. One or more overflow channels may be coupled in fluid communication with the microfluidic gate. The overflow channel is configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material in an overflow volume to move along a length of a passageway of the overflow channel and may include a vent configured to equalize air pressure within the void space of the reservoir created upon vaporization of the liquid vaporizable material. In certain implementations, the overflow channel may include a plurality of spaced-apart constriction points defined by a plurality of projections extending into the overflow channel from the collector body, thereby forming portions of the passageway of the overflow channel having a smaller cross-sectional area than portions or parts of the passageway between the constriction points to encourage movement of liquid vaporizable material therethrough. One or more of the plurality of constriction points may be the same or different from each other in, for example, shape, size, frequency, and / or symmetry. In certain implementations, at least two of the plurality of constriction points have a different cross-sectional area relative to each other.

[0070] In some implementations, the collector may further include one or more additional passageways disposed therethrough and configured to provide a direct fluid connection between the storage chamber and the atomizer. The one or more additional passageways may be positioned laterally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge housing. Each additional passageway may create a fluid channel that extends from a first end to a second end of the passageway, in which the first end is proximate to the atomizer and the second is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

[0071] The cartridges disclosed herein may have a variety of configurations and may include additional elements to that of the collector. For example, the cartridge may include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may extend from a first end of the cartridge housing to a second end of the cartridge housing with a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. In exemplary implementations, the cartridge housing may have a cross-section that is rectangular in shape formed by opposed pairs of sidewalls extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0072] The cartridge housing may include a reservoir that is configured to selectively contain vaporizable material. In certain implementations, one or both of the pairs of sidewalls of the cartridge housing may be convex relative to a central longitudinal axis thereof. Such a configuration prevents and / or minimizes an increase in internal pressure within the reservoir upon application of manual pressure to the cartridge housing (for example, by squeezing the cartridge).

[0073] The reservoir may have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the reservoir (also referred to as a storage chamber) may be configured to selectively contain the vaporizable material and the collector body. The collector body may be positioned in fluid communication with the storage chamber and configured to accept an overflow volume of the liquid vaporizable material.

[0074] The vaporizer cartridges described herein generally also include a vaporization channel configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to an outlet of the cartridge. In some implementations, at least a portion (referred to herein as a first segment) of the vaporization channel may be disposed within the collector body, while another portion (referred to herein as a second segment) of the vaporization channel may be located along the periphery of the collector body and configured to provide a fluid connection between the first segment and the outlet of the cartridge. The vaporization channel may have a variety of configurations. For example, in some implementations, the vaporization channel may have a cross-section that tapers towards the outlet of the cartridge. In other implementations, the vaporization channel may have a cross-section that tapers away from the outlet of the cartridge (e.g., towards the atomizer of the cartridge). In other implementations, the vaporization channel may include a plurality of substantially parallel channels that terminate at the outlet of the cartridge. In such implementations, at least one channel of the plurality of channels may have a cross-section that tapers towards the outlet of the cartridge. In other implementations, at least one channel or another channel of the plurality of channels may have a cross-section that tapers away from the outlet of the cartridge (e.g., towards an atomizer of the cartridge). In certain implementations, all the channels of the plurality of channels may have a cross-section that tapers either towards or away from the outlet of the cartridge. In other implementations, all the channels of the plurality of channels may have a cross section that does not taper. In some implementations, at least one channel of the plurality of channels may have a cross-section that is rectangular in shape. In some implementations, the vaporization channel may also include a baffle that may be positioned within the first segment or the second segment of the vaporization channel. The baffle can be configured to promote mixing of air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel to help prevent the liquid vaporizable material from being deposited into the user's mouth, during the user puffing or inhaling directly on the vaporizer cartridge itself, or alternatively on a mouthpiece coupled thereto. Thus, direct inhalation of vaporizable material, e.g., in liquid form, can be avoided. Further, preventing the liquid vaporizable material from entering the vaporization channel can also inhibit leakage of the vaporizable material, e.g., out of the cartridge through an outlet. Vaporizable material that has circumvented the vaporization process can be referred to as unvaporized vaporizable material.

[0075] In certain implementations, the cartridge may include the atomizer. The atomizer may have a variety of configurations. For example, in some implementations, the atomizer may include an atomizer housing having a wicking element that may be disposed therein and in fluid communication with the one or more additional channels of the collector. Alternatively, or in addition, the atomizer may include a heating element having a heating portion disposed within the atomizer housing, and a connecting portion that may be disposed at least partially outside the atomizer housing.

[0076] In some implementations, the collector may also include at least one recess defined therein, and the at least one recess can create a gap between the collector and the atomizer housing that can prevent vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outer-most surface of the collector and a top outer-most surface of the atomizer housing. In certain implementations, the gap may be located between the connecting portion of the heating element and the collector.

[0077] Alternatively, or in addition, the collector may also include at least one tab that may extend outwards from the bottom-most surface of the collector. The at least one tab may be configured to be inserted into a respective cut-out of the atomizer housing such that a portion of the connecting portion is positioned between the at least one tab and the atomizer housing. In such implementations, the at least one recess of the collector may be positioned adjacent and proximate to the at least one tab. The at least one tab may have a variety of configurations. For example, in one implementation, the at least tab has a trapezoidal shape. In other implementations, the at least one tab may have other suitable shapes, for example, triangle, square, etc.

[0078] In some implementations, the cartridge may include a wicking element that can be disposed within the cartridge. In such implementations, the at least one additional channel of the collector may be in fluid communication with the wicking element.

[0079] To further illustrate, FIGS. 1-9 depict various examples of vaporizer cartridges that include a collector body having a microfluidic gate and an overflow channel consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Further, FIGS. 12 and 13 depict an example of a vaporizer device that includes a vaporizer cartridge as disclosed herein.

[0080] In particular, FIGS. 1-3 depict an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 100 for a vaporizer device. More specifically, the vaporizer cartridge 100 includes a cartridge housing 102 and a vaporization channel 104 extending at least partially through the cartridge housing 102. In this implementation, the vaporization channel 104 leads to an outlet 106 of the cartridge 100, which in this case is also an outlet of the cartridge housing 102. In other implementations, the outlet of the cartridge 100 may be an outlet of a mouthpiece (not shown) that is coupled to an end of the cartridge housing 102, where the outlet of the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the outlet 106 of the cartridge housing 102. As further shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, while in this implementation, the vaporization channel 104 can generally have a rectangular cross-section, in other implementations, the vaporization channel can also have other cross-sectional shapes. In some implementations, a vaporizer cartridge 100B can include a vaporization channel 104B having a substantially oval cross-section. Although the vaporization channel is described herein as optionally have a tapered length, the cross-sectional shape can remain substantially rectangular, oval, circular, or the like. In some implementation, a vaporizer cartridge 100C can include a vaporization channel 104C having cross-section with a baffle extending laterally across the vaporization channel 104C. In some implementations, the baffle may specifically be a bridge 240C extending laterally across the vaporization channel 104C to form a bifurcated air path that disturbs an airflow entering the vaporization channel 104C (e.g., promotes mixing).

[0081] Further, depending on the implementation, the vaporizer cartridge 100 may also include an atomizer 108, which is generally illustrated in FIG. 1, whereas in other implementations, the atomizer 108 may be part of a vaporizer body of the vaporizer device (not shown). The atomizer 108 may be configured to vaporize a vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material, in liquid form) within the cartridge housing 102 into vaporized material for inhalation by a user.

[0082] The cartridge housing 102 includes a reservoir 110 that is configured to selectively hold a vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material, in liquid form). While the cartridge housing 102 may have a variety of sizes and shapes, the cartridge housing 102, as shown in FIG. 1, is substantially rectangular in shape, and includes at least two sets of opposing sidewalls 112, 114 in which the first set of opposing sidewalls 112 extends substantially perpendicular (e.g., in the Y-direction) to the second set of opposing sidewalls 114. As shown, these sidewalls 112, 114 define at least a portion of the reservoir 110.

[0083] The cartridge housing 102 extends from a first end 116 (see also FIG. 3) to a second end 118 with a central longitudinal axis L extending therebetween (e.g., extending in the Y-direction). The outlet 106 of the cartridge housing 102 is positioned at the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102 (see FIG. 2A). As a result, the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102 can function as a mouthpiece itself of the cartridge 100. In use, a user can puff on the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102 such that the air and vaporized material within the vaporizer cartridge 100 may be delivered directly to the user from the outlet 106 for inhalation. Alternatively, a mouthpiece (not shown) may be coupled to the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102, in which case the user can puff on the mouthpiece rather than directly on the second end 118 of the cartridge housing 102. Air may enter the cartridge housing 102 through a plurality of inlets 130 positioned at the first end 116 of the cartridge housing. In certain implementations, the plurality of inlets 130 are disposed in a bottom outer-most surface 420b of the atomizer housing 420 (see also FIG. 15). As such, the air and vaporized material within the vaporizer cartridge 100 (e.g., within the vaporization channel 104) can travel from the outlet 106 into the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0084] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates airflow paths through vaporizer cartridges 100 and the 100C during use (during a draw). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, ambient air 150 can enter the cartridge 100 as discussed above and flow through, over, or around the atomizer 108 to be heated by the atomizer 108, flow through the vaporization channel 104 and out from the outlet 106 to the user. In some implementations, upon coupling the cartridge 100 with a vaporizer body 302, the ambient air 150 can enter at an interface between the cartridge housing 102 of the cartridge 100 and the vaporizer body 302 and enter the cartridge 100 through a plurality of inlets 130. In some implementations, upon coupling the cartridge 100 with the vaporizer body 302, the air can enter between an interior surface of the cartridge 100 and an exterior surface of the vaporizer body 302.

[0085] FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate an airflow path through a vaporizer cartridge 100C having a bifurcated vaporization channel as described above. After the ambient air 150C passes the atomizer 108C, the heated air is separated by the bridge in the bifurcated vaporization channel and then converges thereafter to flow up to the outlet 106C to be inhaled by the user. In this implementation, the bridge 240C can be formed on an interior surface of a collector 200C which is within the vaporization channel of the vaporizer cartridge 100C. The bridge 240C can be disposed proximate to an inlet end 249C of the collector 200C where the inhalable aerosol 140C enters the collector 200C.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, one or both of the pairs of sidewalls 112, 114 of the cartridge housing 102 may be convex (e.g., bowed outward) relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge housing 102 (see also FIG. 1). Such a configuration provides structural rigidity to the cartridge housing 102 to prevent and / or minimize an increase in internal pressure within the reservoir 110 upon application of manual pressure (for example, by squeezing the cartridge 100). While FIGS. 2A and 3 show an exemplary embodiment where both pairs of sidewalls 112, 114 are convex, one of skill in the art would understand that a configuration wherein only sidewall pairs 112 or only sidewall pairs 114 are contemplated herein, and likewise would increase a resistance to deformation upon application of manual pressure to the cartridge housing 102.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 10 and 11, the cartridge housing 102 includes a collector 200, having a collector body 202. FIGS. 10 and 11 show cross-sectional views of the cartridge 100 taken along longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. The collector 200 is configured to control the exchange of air and vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material in liquid form) into and out of the storage chamber, the reservoir 110 having the storage chamber. The inclusion of the collector 200 may also improve a volumetric efficiency of the cartridge 100, defined as a volume of liquid vaporizable material that is eventually converted to an inhalable aerosol relative to a total volume of the liquid vaporizable material included in the cartridge 100 (which may correspond to a capacity of the cartridge 100 itself). In addition to the disclosure herein, additional details pertaining to the collector and other exemplary collectors can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,253,001, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0128874, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0241777, filed on Apr. 12, 2022, and entitled “Vaporizer Device Microfluidic Systems and Apparatuses,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0088] As shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6, the collector 200 includes a collector body 202, which includes a microfluidic gate 204 configured for controlling flow of the liquid vaporizable material between the reservoir 110 and an adjoining overflow volume 206 (see also FIG. 1). In addition to the disclosure herein, additional details pertaining to the microfluidic gate and other exemplary controlled fluidic gates can be found in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0241777, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0089] The microfluidic gate 204 includes a last constriction point 203 at the end of an overflow channel 208, a pinch-off point 210, and a third constriction point 212. The last constriction point 203 of the overflow channel 208 defines a portion of a first orifice within the overflow channel 208, the pinch-off point 210 defines a second orifice where a meniscus seals a first capillary channel 214 and a second capillary channel 216, and the third constriction point 212 defines a portion of a third orifice. Each orifice becomes fully formed when the collector body 202 is inserted into cartridge housing 102. In other words, the portion of the first orifice forms the first orifice, the portion of the second orifice forms the second orifice, the portion of the third orifice forms the third orifice, and a high-drive channel 218 forms a capillary drive passageway. It should be noted that a “point” generally refers to a location on a device while an orifice refers to an opening between one volume and another volume having a cross-sectional area.

[0090] The high-drive channel 218 originates at the third constriction point 212 and diverges outwardly between an upper wall 220 and a lower wall 222 toward the pinch-off point 210. The upper wall 220 extends from the third constriction point 212 to the second capillary channel 216, while the lower wall 222 extends from the third constriction point 212 to the first capillary channel 214. The high-drive channel 218 is a single channel that is free of obstructions that may affect the resealing of the microfluidic gate 204. Obstructions in the high-drive channel 214 can result in a faulting condition, especially for low wetting vaporizable materials, where the capillary drive of the meniscus is interrupted so that it is unable to close the microfluidic gate 204. An obstruction could be any feature protruding from a wall of the high-drive channel 214. The affinity of the meniscus to the obstruction may be higher than the capillary drive so the vaporizable material effectively stops advancing and becomes pinned to the obstruction. Menisci formed in each channel may become pinned to the obstruction and prevent the meniscus from coalescing into a single meniscus. While FIG. 6 shows an exemplary implementation of microfluidic gate 204, the precise location of each constriction point may vary due to the properties of the liquid vaporizable material and its interaction with the microfluidic gate 204 (e.g., contact angle, viscosity, surface energies, surface roughness, differential pressure, etc.).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 5, the collector body 202 also includes an overflow channel 208 in fluid communication with the microfluidic gate 204. The overflow channel 208 is configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to move along a length of a passageway 224 of the overflow channel 208 due to capillary pressure (or the force of gravity). In exemplary implementations, overflow channel 208 may be disposed around a periphery of the collector body 202. In certain exemplary implementations, the overflow channel 208 coils around the periphery of the collector body 202 forming a plurality of layers disposed along a vertical axis of the collector body 202. Disposed within the overflow channel 208 of the collector body 202 may be a plurality of spaced-apart first constriction points 226 having a smaller cross-sectional area than portions of the passageway 224 between the constriction points 226. In exemplary implementations, each of the constriction points 226 may have the same cross-sectional area. In other exemplary implementations, one or more of the constriction points 226 may have a different cross-sectional area relative to each other. The one or more constriction points 226 may vary in shape, size, frequency, and / or symmetry. By varying the geometries (e.g., width and depth) of the constriction points 226 throughout the passageway 224, flow of the liquid vaporizable material is improved, thereby reducing venting pressure of the liquid movement therein.

[0092] With reference now to FIGS. 5, 7, 8A and 8B, each of the plurality of first constriction points 226 are defined by a plurality of projections 228 extending into the overflow channel 208 from the collector body 202. Each of the plurality of projections 228 defining the constriction points 226 may have a variety of configurations. In exemplary implementations, a first projection (e.g., 226a) of the plurality of projections has a maximum width (wmax) that differs from a maximum width (wmax) of a second projection (e.g., 226b) of the plurality of projections. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a constriction point 226a having a smaller wmax than the wmax of a second constriction point 226b will constrict flow of liquid vaporizable material through passageway 224 to a greater extent than that of second constriction point 226b. Thus, by varying the dimensions of one or more of the projections 226, liquid vaporizable material may be microfluidically encouraged to flow through the passageway 224, thereby improving saturation of a wick of the atomizer. The dimensions of the projections 226 may be individually selected to achieve desired pressures within the overflow channel 208 of the collector body 202. In certain implementations, when the overflow channel 208 coils around the periphery of the collector body 202 forming a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers may have the same or different hydrostatic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure at a particular point within the passageway 224 may be determined by the following equation (I), wherein Pvent=the pressure at the particular constriction point; σ=surface tension of liquid; θrpp=receding contact angle of e-liquid on polypropylene; e=the effective height at venting if the construction has a rounded edge as shown in FIG. 8C; w=the width of the construction point as shown in FIG. 8C; and α=the angle on the rounded edge of the constriction point where maximum venting pressure occurs.Pvent=(σ*e*cos⁡(θrpp)+σ*π*e2*cos⁡(α-θrpp))ew+π⁢e28.(I)

[0093] The angle of the rounded edge of the constriction point (α) is determined by equation (II) below and as further shown in FIG. 8D, wherein R=radius of meniscus as it passes through a constriction point as shown in FIG. 8D. To determine the angle of the rounded edge of the constriction point (α) when venting through a rounded edge, the radius of meniscus (R) must be minimized and thus, the following equation (II) is solved to determine α, to minimize R and then the value of a from equation (II) is used to calculate the pressure at the particular constriction point (Pvent) in equation (I) above.tan⁡(∝-θrpp)⁢(h2+r⁡(1-cos⁢ α))+r⁢ sin⁢ α=0.(II)

[0094] The hydraulic diameter (DH) at any of the plurality of constriction points 226 may be determined by calculating the DH for a rectangular cross-section (a×b) of a portion of a constriction point 226 using the following equation (III), wherein P=perimeter and A=area.DH=4⁢AP=4⁢(h*w+π⁢h28)h+π⁢h2+2⁢w.(III)

[0095] The dimensions of the projections 226 may further be selected based on a calculated Bond number (Bo), which refers to the ratio between the gravitational forces and surface tension in a microfluidic system. If the Bo is greater than one, then gravity dominates, resulting in an unstable meniscus. The Bo within the passageway 224 may therefore define an effective maximum channel dimension before the meniscus of the liquid vaporizable material becomes unstable, wherein a Bo>1 is indicative of an unstable meniscus. The Bo may be calculated using the following equation (IV), wherein ρ=density of the liquid; g=gravity; L=hydraulic diameter; and γ=surface tension.Bo=Δ⁢ρ⁢g⁢L2γ.(IV)

[0096] As such, the height and width of each of the plurality of constriction points 226 may be dimensioned to vary the hydrostatic pressure within each layer of the overflow channel 208 of the collector body 202. In exemplary implementations, each of the plurality of projections 228 may be shaped to include a flat surface 230 directed along the overflow channel 208 toward the reservoir 110 and a rounded surface 232 directed along the overflow channel 208 away from the reservoir 110. Thus, the pressure differential of liquid moving through the passageway 224 of the overflow channel 208 of the collector body 202 during a pressure event (e.g., during a puff) is equalized, thereby encouraging flow of the liquid vaporizable material back into the reservoir 110, reducing bubble formation, and subsequently feeding the liquid vaporizable material into the one or more additional channels disposed in the collector body 202 to supply liquid vaporizable material to the wick of the atomizer.

[0097] FIGS. 9A-9D show other implementations of a collector 200B in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein. The collector 200B can include one or more liquid feed channels 244B in fluid communication with the reservoir 110 and the atomizer 108. The collector 200B can also include one or more recessed inlets 241B at the one or more liquid feed channels 244B. The recessed inlets 241B can be recessed from an outer surface 248B of the collector 200B. In some implementations, the collector 200B can include one or more ribs 242B extending at least partially into the recessed inlet 241 without blocking the liquid feed channel 244B. Accordingly, the ribs 242B can entrap air bubbles and allow liquid to freely flow through the liquid feed channel 244B without obstruction from potential air bubbles. It is desirable to keep dimension of the ribs 242B as small as possible while still entrapping air bubbles. For example, each rib 242B can have a thickness in the range of about 0.3-0.7 mm, in the range of about 0.4-0.6 mm, or about 0.5 mm. As further shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C-9D, the collector 200B can also include at least one orientation tab 246B extending from the top surface 248B (a top-most surface) of the collector 200B. In some implementations, the orientation tab 246B can extend from a perimeter of the top surface 248B. The orientation tab 246B can be configured to cooperate with a corresponding slot formed in the cartridge housing 102 to guide the orientation tab 246B and orient the collector 200B into the cartridge housing 102 in a predetermined orientation.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vaporization channel 104 extends from the atomizer 108 to the outlet 106 of the cartridge 100 and is therefore configured to allow fluid (e.g., vaporized material) to pass from the atomizer 108 to the outlet 106 for inhalation by a user. While the vaporization channel 104 may have a variety of configurations, in some implementations, the vaporization channel 104 includes a first segment 120 and a second segment 122 that is upstream of the first segment 120. For example, the first segment 122 may be positioned proximate to the outlet 106 of the cartridge housing 102.

[0099] The first segment 120 and the second segment 122 may each have a variety of configurations. In some implementations, the first and second segment 120, 122 may have the same cross-sectional shape, whereas in other implementations, the first and second segments 120, 122 may have different cross-sectional shapes relative to each other. In this illustrated implementation, the first segment 120 has a non-tapering cross-section and the second segment 122 has a cross-section that tapers toward the atomizer 108. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the first segment 120 and the cross-section of the second segment 122 may be either tapered or non-tapered. Further, depending on the implementation, the first segment 120 can include a single channel or multiple channels. Similarly, depending on the implementation, the second segment 122 can include a single channel or multiple channels. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape, and overall cross-section of the segments themselves and the number of channels within the segments can depend at least upon the structural dimensions of the other components of the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer cartridge itself. While a single vaporization channel 104 is illustrated, it should be appreciated that the vaporization channel 104 can include more than two channels in other implementations, and therefore the number of channels is not limited to the number depicted in FIG. 11.

[0100] In some implementations, the vaporization channel 104 may include a baffle 134 that is configured to promote mixing of air and vaporized material that passes into the vaporization channel 104, at least in part from the atomizer 108. In other implementations, the baffle 134 may be positioned within the vaporization channel 104 at other suitable locations. The number, size, and shape of the baffle will depend at least upon the structural configuration of the vaporization channel, and therefore, it should be appreciated that the number, size, and shape of the baffle is not limited to what is depicted in FIG. 11.

[0101] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary vaporizer device 300 that includes a vaporizer body 302 and a vaporizer cartridge 304. In FIG. 12, the vaporizer body 302 and the vaporizer cartridge 304 are illustrated in a decoupled configuration, whereas in FIG. 13, the vaporizer body 302 and the vaporizer cartridge 304 are illustrated in a coupled configuration. The vaporizer cartridge 304 is similar to vaporizer cartridge 100 in FIGS. 1-11 and is therefore not described in detail herein. For purposes of simplicity, certain components of the vaporizer device 300 are not illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0102] The vaporizer body 302 and the vaporizer cartridge 304 may be coupled to each other by way of corresponding coupling elements. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the vaporizer body 302 includes a first set of coupling elements 306a, 306b, and the vaporizer cartridge 304 includes a second set of corresponding coupling elements 308a, 308b. While the first and second set of coupling elements may have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the first set of coupling elements 306a, 306b includes two recesses extending inward into the vaporizer body 302 and the second set of coupling elements 308a, 308b includes two protrusions extending outwardly from two opposing sidewalls 309a, 309b of the vaporizer cartridge 304.

[0103] The vaporizer body 302 may have a variety of configurations. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the vaporizer body 302 includes a sleeve 310 that extends from a proximal end 310a to a distal end 310b. The sleeve 310 defines a cartridge receptacle 312 within the vaporizer body 302 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 304. The distal end 310b of the sleeve 310 is coupled to a chassis 313 that is configured to house at least a portion of any additional components of the vaporizer device 300 (e.g., a power source, input device(s), sensor(s), output, a controller, communication hardware, memory, and the like). Once the vaporizer cartridge 304 is coupled to the vaporizer body 302, a fluid path 320, as shown in FIG. 14, is created within the cartridge receptacle 312 between the chassis 313 and a distal surface 304a of the vaporizer cartridge 304, and through the vaporization channel 316 of the cartridge 304.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the vaporizer device 300 may include a power source 402 (e.g., a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, and / or the like) and a controller 404 (e.g., a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic). The controller 404 may be configured to control the delivery of heat to the atomizer 314 of the cartridge 304 to cause a vaporizable material to be converted from a condensed form (e.g., a liquid) to a gas phase. For example, the controller 404 may control the delivery of heat to the atomizer 314 by at least controlling a discharge of current from the power source 402 to the atomizer 314. The controller 404 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain implementations of the current subject matter.

[0105] After conversion of the vaporizable material to the gas phase, and depending on the type of vaporizer device, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, and / or other factors, at least some of the gas-phase vaporizable material may condense to form particulate matter in at least a partial local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol. The vaporizable material in the condensed phase (e.g., the particulate matter) in at least partial local equilibrium with the vaporizable material in the gas phase may form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 300 for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer device 300. It will be understood that the interplay between the vaporizable material in the gas phase and in the condensed phase in an aerosol generated by the vaporizer device 300 can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in fluid paths, such as airflow paths, (both inside the vaporizer and in the airways of a human or other animal), mixing of the gas-phase or aerosol-phase vaporizable material with other air streams, etc. may affect one or more physical parameters of an aerosol. In some vaporizer devices, and particularly for vaporizer devices for delivery of more volatile vaporizable materials, the inhalable dose may exist predominantly in the gas phase (i.e., formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited).

[0106] To enable the vaporizer device 300 to be used with liquid vaporizable materials (e.g., neat liquids, suspensions, solutions, mixtures, etc.), the atomizer 314 may include a wicking element (also referred to herein as a wick) formed from one or more materials capable of causing fluid motion by capillary pressure. The wicking element may convey a quantity of the liquid vaporizable material to a part of the atomizer 314 that includes a heating element (also not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0107] The wicking element is generally configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir 315 of the cartridge 304 configured to contain (and that may in use contain) the liquid vaporizable material such that the liquid vaporizable material may be vaporized by heat generated by the heating element. The wicking element may also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir 315 to replace the volume of liquid removed. In other words, capillary action may pull liquid vaporizable material into the wicking element for vaporization by the heating element (described below), and air may, in some implementations of the current subject matter, return to the reservoir 315 through the wick to at least partially equalize pressure in the reservoir. Other approaches to allowing air back into the reservoir to equalize pressure are also within the scope of the current subject matter.

[0108] As used herein, the terms “wick” or “wicking element” include any material capable of causing fluid motion via capillary pressure.

[0109] While the atomizer 314 is shown in FIG. 12 to be fully part of the cartridge 304, in other implementations, at least a portion of the atomizer (e.g., one or both of the wicking element and the heating element) may be located in, and thus part of, the vaporizer body of the vaporizer device. In implementations in which a portion of the atomizer (e.g., heating element and / or wicking element) is part of the vaporizer body, the vaporizer device may be configured to deliver liquid vaporizer material from the reservoir in the cartridge to the atomizer part(s) included in the vaporizer body.

[0110] The heating element may be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and a convective heater. One type of heating element is a resistive heating element, which may be constructed of or at least include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, for example a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the atomizer 314 may include a heating element that includes resistive coil or other heating element wrapped around, positioned within, integrated into a bulk shape of, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to a wicking element to cause a liquid vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element from a reservoir to be vaporized for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas and / or a condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) phase. Other wicking element, heating element, and / or atomizer configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

[0111] For example, the heating element may be stamped from a sheet of material and may be bent to conform to a shape of at least a portion of a wicking element. Configurations of the heating element may allow for more consistent and enhanced quality manufacturing of the heating element and may help to reduce tolerance issues that may arise during manufacturing processes when assembling a heating element having multiple components. The heating element may also improve the accuracy of measurements taken from the heating element (e.g., a resistance, a current, a temperature, etc.) due at least in part to the improved consistency in manufacturability of the heating element having reduced tolerance issues. A stamped and shaped heating element may desirably help to minimize heat losses and helps to ensure that the heating element may behave predictably to be heated to the appropriate temperature.

[0112] In accordance with one or more example implementations, the heating element may be made (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and either crimped around at least a portion of a wicking element or bent to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wicking element. For example, the wicking element may be pushed into the heating element. Alternatively, and / or additionally, the heating element may be held in tension and pulled over the wicking element.

[0113] The heating element may be activated (e.g., the controller 404, which is optionally part of the vaporizer body 302, may cause current to pass from the power source 402 through a circuit including the heating element, which is optionally part of the cartridge 304), in association with a user puffing (e.g., drawing, inhaling, etc.) on the cartridge 304 itself or on a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge 304 to cause air to flow from an air inlet, such as air inlet 318, along a fluid path, such as fluid path 320, that passes the atomizer 314 (e.g., wicking element and heating element), optionally through one or more condensation areas or chambers, to an air outlet of the cartridge 304 or of a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge. As such, electrical contacts may be attached to the heating element to operatively couple to at least the power source 402, e.g., a power source disposed within a vaporizer body. The electrical contacts may have a variety of configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the electrical contacts are in the form of wires, which may be over molded. Further, incoming air passing along the fluid path passes over, through, etc. the atomizer, where gas phase vaporizable material is entrained into the air. As noted above, the entrained gas-phase vaporizable material may condense as it passes through the remainder of the fluid path such that an inhalable dose of the vaporizable material in an aerosol form can be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., of the cartridge itself or of a mouthpiece coupled to the cartridge for inhalation by a user).

[0114] The heating element may be activated in response to detecting a puff and / or determining that a puff is imminent. For example, puff detection may be performed based on one or more of signals generated by one or more sensors 406 included in the vaporizer device 300 such as, for example, one or more pressure sensors (e.g., configured to measure pressure along the fluid path relative to ambient pressure, changes in absolute pressure, and / or the like), motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive sensors (e.g., configured to detect contact between a lip of the user and the vaporizer device 300). Alternatively and / or additionally, a puff (or an imminent puff) may be detected in response to detecting a user interacting with one or more input devices 408 included in the vaporizer device 300 (e.g., buttons or other tactile control devices of the vaporizer device 300), receipt of signals from a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 300, and / or the like. It should be appreciated that puff detection including the determination of an imminent occurrence of a puff may be performed using a variety of techniques.

[0115] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer device 300 may be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) in communication with the vaporizer device 300. To this end, the controller 404 may include communication hardware 412. The controller 404 may also include a memory 414. A computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 300, and may include its own communication hardware, which can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 412 of the vaporizer device 300. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, some other portable device such as a smartwatch, or the like) that executes software to produce a user interface for enabling a user of the device to interact with a vaporizer. In other implementations of the current subject matter, such a device used as part of a vaporizer system can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or soft (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device like a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, or the like) interface controls.

[0116] The vaporizer may also include one or more outputs 410 features or devices for providing information to the user. For example, the outputs may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on a status and / or mode of operation of the vaporizer device. In some aspects, the one or more outputs may include a plurality of LEDs (i.e., two, three, four, five, or six LEDs). The one or more outputs (i.e., each individual LED) may be configured to display light in one or more colors (for example, white, red, blue, green, yellow, etc.). The one or more outputs may be configured to display different light patterns (for example, by illuminating specific LEDs, varying a light intensity of one or more of the LEDs over time, illuminating one or more LEDs with a different color, and / or the like) to indicate different statuses, modes of operation, and / or the like of the vaporizer device. In some implementations, the one or more outputs may be proximal to and / or at least partially disposed within a bottom end region of the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device may, additionally or alternatively, include externally accessible charging contacts, which may be proximate to and / or at least partially disposed within the bottom end region of the vaporizer device.

[0117] A computing device that is part of a vaporizer system as defined above may be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosing (e.g., dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling sessioning (e.g., session monitoring, session setting, session limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable material, adjusting an amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining locational information (e.g., location of other users, retailer / commercial venue locations, vaping locations, relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (e.g., naming the vaporizer, locking / password protecting the vaporizer, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the vaporizer with a user group, registering the vaporizer with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities (e.g., games, social media communications, interacting with one or more groups, etc.) with other users, or the like. The terms “sessioning,”“session,”“vaporizer session,” or “vapor session” are used generically to refer to a period devoted to the use of the vaporizer. The period may include a time period, a number of doses, an amount of vaporizable material, and / or the like.

[0118] In the example in which a computing device provides signals related to activation of the heating element, or in other examples of coupling of a computing device with the vaporizer device 300 for implementation of various control or other functions, the computing device may execute one or more computer instructions sets to provide a user interface and underlying data handling. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements can cause the computing device to signal the vaporizer device 300 to activate the heating element to a full operating temperature for creation of an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of the vaporizer may be controlled by interaction of a user with a user interface on a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 300.

[0119] The temperature of a heating element of a vaporizer may depend on a number of factors, including an amount of electrical power delivered to the heating element and / or a duty cycle at which the electrical power is delivered, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic vaporizer and / or to the environment, latent heat losses due to vaporization of a vaporizable material from the wicking element and / or the atomizer as a whole, and convective heat losses due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heating element or the atomizer as a whole when a user inhales on the electronic vaporizer). As noted above, to reliably activate the heating element or heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the vaporizer device 300 may, in some implementations of the current subject matter, make use of signals from a pressure sensor to determine when a user is inhaling. The pressure sensor may be positioned in the fluid path (e.g., airflow path) and / or may be connected (e.g., by a passageway or other path) to a fluid path (e.g., an airflow path) connecting an inlet for air to enter the device and an outlet via which the user inhales the resulting vapor and / or aerosol such that the pressure sensor experiences pressure changes concurrently with air passing through the vaporizer device from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the heating element may be activated in association with a user's puff, for example by automatic detection of the puff, for example by the pressure sensor detecting a pressure change in the fluid path (e.g., the airflow path).

[0120] Typically, the pressure sensor (as well as any other sensors 406) may be positioned on or coupled (e.g., electrically or electronically connected, either physically or via a wireless connection) to the controller 404 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). To take measurements accurately and maintain durability of the vaporizer device 300, a resilient seal (not shown) may optionally separate a fluid path (e.g., an airflow path) from other parts of the vaporizer device 300. The seal, which can be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor such that connections of the pressure sensor to internal circuitry of the vaporizer device are separated from a part of the pressure sensor exposed to the fluid path (e.g., airflow path). In an example of a cartridge-based vaporizer device, such as vaporizer device 300, the seal may also separate parts of one or more electrical connections between a vaporizer body and a cartridge from one or more other parts of the vaporizer body. Such arrangements of the seal in the vaporizer device can be helpful in mitigating against potentially disruptive impacts on vaporizer components resulting from interactions with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phases, other fluids such as the vaporizable material, etc. and / or to reduce escape of air from the designed fluid path (e.g., airflow path) in the vaporizer device. Unwanted air, liquid or other fluid passing and / or contacting circuitry of the vaporizer can cause various unwanted effects, such as alter pressure readings, and / or can result in the buildup of unwanted material, such as moisture, the vaporizable material, etc. in parts of the vaporizer where they may result in poor pressure signal, degradation of the pressure sensor or other components, and / or a shorter life of the vaporizer device. Leaks in the seal can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed over parts of the vaporizer device containing or constructed of materials that may not be desirable to be inhaled.

[0121] As noted above, in some implementations, the cartridge, in addition to the collector 200, may also include an atomizer 108. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the cartridge may include an atomizer 108 that includes an atomizer housing 420, a heating element 422, and a wicking element 424. The heating element 422 may have a variety of configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the heating element 422 includes one or more tines 426 (e.g., heating segments) located in a heating portion 428, one or more connecting portions or legs 430 (e.g., one, two, or more) extending from the tines 426, and a cartridge contact 432 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 430.

[0122] The heating element 422 is assembled with the atomizer housing 420 and wicking element 424, and it should be understood that FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of the atomizer 108, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. The atomizer housing 420 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, and the like. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 14 and 15, the atomizer housing 420 includes four recesses 434 in which at least a portion of each of the legs 430 of the heating element 422 may be positioned and secured. Further, the atomizer housing 420 also includes an opening providing access to an internal volume, in which at least the heating portion 428 of the heating element 422 and the wicking element 424 are positioned. While the wicking element 424 may have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the wicking element 424 is formed of a rectangular porous substrate.

[0123] Generally speaking, in some implementations, when the collector and atomizer are coupled together, one pathway for possible leakage of vaporizable material is across the heater legs. As a result, the vaporizable material may then travel between the space or gap between the collector and atomizer housing, and consequently, leak out of the cartridge and in certain instances, into other parts of the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled to the device. As described in more detail below, the collector 200 and the atomizer 108 may be designed in such a way to prevent vaporizable material from leaking across the heater leg, and thus out of the cartridge.

[0124] For example, the collector 200 may include at least one recess defined therein, which creates a bigger gap between the collector 200 and the atomizer housing 420, which would not otherwise be present. This bigger gap is configured to prevent vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outer-most surface 410a of the collector 200 and a top outer-most surface 420a of the atomizer housing 420, and ultimately, out of the cartridge 100 (se also FIG. 5). The recesses 434 may have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown, each recess 434 has a substantially rectangular shape. In other implementations, the recesses may have other suitable shape and sizes. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, size, and shape of the recesses depend at least upon the structural configuration of the collector and the atomizer. As such, the number, size, and shape of the recesses are not limited to what is illustrated in the figures.

[0125] Alternatively, or in addition, referring back to FIGS. 5 and 7, the collector 200 may include at least one tab 444 extending outwards from the bottom-most surface 410a of the collector 200. While the number of tabs 444 may vary, in this illustrated implementation, the collector 200 includes four tabs 444. Further, the tabs 444 may have a variety of configurations. For example, as shown, each tab 444 has a trapezoidal shape. In other implementations, the tabs may have other suitable shape and sizes. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, size, and shape of the tabs depend at least upon the structural configuration of the collector and the atomizer. As such, the number, size, and shape of the tabs are not limited to what is illustrated in the figures.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 14, each tab 444 is configured to be inserted into a respective cut-out of the atomizer housing 420 such that at least a portion of the respective heater leg 430 is positioned between the respective tab 444 and the atomizer housing 420. In other words, when the collector 200 and the atomizer housing 420 are coupled to each other, the tabs 444 are seated in front of a portion of the heater legs. As a result, this creates a seamless interface (e.g., when the collector and the atomizer are coupled together (e.g., welded together), and therefore prevents vaporizable material from leaking across the heater leg 430, and thus out of the cartridge 100. In this illustrated implementation, each respective cut-out is partially defined by opposing angled flanges. Further, each respective cut-out is a complementary shape of the respective tab inserted therein. Thus, in this illustrated implementation, the respective cut-outs are the complementary shape (e.g., female shape) to the shape of the trapezoidal shape of the tab (e.g., male shape). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, size, and shape of the respective cut-outs depend at least upon the structural configuration of the tabs, the collector, and the atomizer housing. As such, the number, size, and shape of the respective cut-outs are not limited to what is illustrated in the figures.Terminology

[0127] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and / or elements can also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,”“attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements can be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,”“directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present.

[0128] Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature can have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0129] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0130] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;”“one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;”“one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0131] Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0132] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, a first feature / element discussed below could be termed a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0133] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers can be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and / or positions. For example, a numeric value can have a value that is + / −0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / −1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / −2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / −5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / −10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0134] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes can be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

[0135] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0136] These computer programs, which can also be referred to programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would a non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example, as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0137] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Use of the term “based on,” herein and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0138] The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and / or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described herein can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub combinations of several further features disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A vaporizer cartridge comprising:a cartridge housing including a reservoir configured to selectively contain a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the cartridge housing has a cross-section that tapers towards an outlet of the cartridge; anda collector having a collector body comprising:a microfluidic gate configured for controlling flow of the liquid vaporizable material between a storage chamber of the reservoir and an adjoining overflow volume; andan overflow channel configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to move along a length of a passageway of the overflow channel, the overflow channel comprising a plurality of spaced-apart first constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than portions of the passageway between the first constriction points, wherein one or more of the first constriction points have a different cross-sectional area.

2. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 1, wherein the microfluidic gate comprises a plurality of openings and a pinch-off point between the plurality of openings, the plurality of openings connecting to a first channel and a second channel of the collector body, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel.

3. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 1, wherein the microfluidic gate comprises:a first channel fluidically coupled to a vent;a second channel fluidically coupled to the storage chamber; anda high-drive channel including an upper wall and a lower wall, the high-drive channel originating at a second constriction point and diverging outwardly between the upper wall and the lower wall toward the first capillary channel and the second capillary channel.

4. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each of the plurality of first constriction points are defined by a plurality of projections extending into the overflow channel from the collector body, wherein a first projection of the plurality of projections has a maximum width that differs from a maximum width of a second projection of the plurality of projections.

5. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the projections comprise a flat surface directed along the overflow channel in a direction toward the storage chamber and a rounded surface directed along the passageway of the overflow channel in direction away from the storage chamber.

6. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the overflow channel is disposed around a periphery of the collector and the passageway is formed upon insertion of the collector into the cartridge housing.

7. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the collector further comprises one or more additional passageways disposed therethrough and providing a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer.

8. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 7, wherein the collector further comprises a vaporization channel disposed therethrough and providing a fluid connection between the atomizer and the outlet of the cartridge.

9. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 8, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a baffle configured to cause mixing of air and vaporized material within the vaporization channel.

10. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 8 or 9, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a first segment and a second segment that is upstream of the first segment, and wherein the second segment provides a fluid connection between the first segment and the outlet of the cartridge.

11. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 10, wherein the second segment has a cross-section that tapers toward the first segment.

12. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claim 1, further comprising the atomizer, wherein the atomizer includes an atomizer housing having a wicking element disposed therein and in fluid communication with the vaporization channel.

13. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 12, wherein the collector comprises at least one recess defined therein, the at least one recess forming a gap between the collector and the atomizer housing that prevents vaporizable material from being drawn between a bottom outer-most surface of the collector and a top outer-most surface of the atomizer housing.

14. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 12 or 13, wherein the atomizer comprises a heating element with a heating portion disposed within the atomizer housing, and a connecting portion disposed at least partially outside the atomizer housing, wherein the gap is located between the connecting portion of the heating element and the collector.

15. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the collector further comprises at least one tab extending outwards from a bottom-most surface of the collector, the at least one tab configured to be inserted into a respective cut-out of the atomizer housing to position a portion of the connecting portion between the at least one tab and the atomizer housing.

16. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 15, wherein the at least one recess of the collector is positioned proximate to the at least one tab.

17. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 12, wherein the atomizer housing comprises one or more inlets disposed therethrough and configured to allow air to enter an internal airflow path within the cartridge housing.

18. The vaporizer cartridge of any of claims, wherein the vaporization channel comprises a substantially rectangular or oval cross-section.

19. The vaporizer cartridge of any of claims, wherein the collector comprises a bridge extending laterally across the vaporization channel and configured to at least partially separate the air flowing into the internal airflow path.

20. The vaporizer cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the collector further comprises an orientation tab extending from the collector and configured to align the collector within the cartridge housing.

21. The vaporizer cartridge of claim, wherein the orientation tab extends from a top-most surface of the collector body.

22. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 20 or 21, wherein the orientation tab is inserted into a corresponding slot formed in the cartridge housing.

23. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 7-22, wherein the one or more additional passageways comprises one or more liquid feed channels.

24. The vaporizer cartridge of claim, wherein the collector further comprises one or more recessed inlets disposed at the one or more liquid feed channels.

25. The vaporizer cartridge of claim, wherein the one or more recessed inlets are recessed from an outer surface of the collector.

26. The vaporizer cartridge of claim, wherein the collector further comprises one or more ribs extending at least partially into the recessed inlet without blocking the liquid feed channel.

27. A vaporizer device, comprising:a vaporizer body and a cartridge of any preceding claim, the cartridge being configured to be coupled to the vaporizer body.

28. The vaporizer device of claim, wherein the cartridge is removable from the vaporizer body.

Images