Vaping system

Abstract

A vaping device includes (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece. A portion of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user. The vaping device also includes (b) a closed loop temperature control system including a microcontroller or chip configured with temperature control algorithm configured as an inner control loop and operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also configured with a second, outer control loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint.

Description

[0001] V APING SYSTEM

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a vaping system. Vaping systems provide an inhalable aerosol which may contain nicotine or other substances, such as CBD or cannabinoids; they are typically used as alternatives to combustible cigarettes and are widely considered to be significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes. The term 'vaping' should be expansively construed to cover any electronic device designed to deliver an inhalable vapour from a liquid. It includes devices that deliver inhalable nicotine, as well as other substances, such as CBD, THC, cannabinoids, terpenes, medicines, vitamins and plant extracts, from a liquid. It does not however extend to heat-not-bum (HnB) devices that heat a tobacco-derived substance (called 'cast leaf) in a cigarette like 'tobacco stick'.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Vaping devices come in various form factors; some of the simplest use small pods that attach to the top of a slim body, which contains a battery and simple control electronics. The pod is pre-filled at a factory with an atomisable liquid, often called an e-liquid, and includes both a small (typically 0.7mL to 1.3mL) reservoir of this liquid, a small wick and a heating element in contact with the wick. When the user inhales, a small pressure switch is activated, which in turn causes current to heat the heating element and generate an aerosol which is inhaled. The pod is replaced by a user with a fresh pod, when all of the atomisable liquid has been consumed.

[0006] Vaping devices are used to atomise nicotine and other substances, such as CBD or THC etc. Most conventional vaping devices have poor temperature control; for example, one purported temperature control approach used in many conventional vaping devices is to deliver a fixed amount of power to the heating element; this approach does not directly measure or control the temperature of the heating element.

[0007] Closed loop temperature control for vaping devices has previously been disclosed in our PCT / GB2019 / 052922, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. A recent trend in the vaping market is the emergence of the 'modern disposables' category of vaping devices: 'Modern disposable' vaping devices are sold at retail pre-filled with liquid and fully charged; they are designed not to permit re-filling - e.g., the tip cannot be replaced with a new, pre-filled tip. Likewise, they are not designed to be recharged. Instead, with a conventional 'modern disposable' device, once the liquid in the tip is used up, the entire device is thrown away; it can be thought of as a single use device. Similarly, if the device runs out of charge, the entire device is thrown away. Unlike conventional pre-filled pod or tip based systems, where the user replaces a pre-filled pod or tip with a fresh tip once the liquid in the tip is consumed, with modem disposable devices, there is no dis-assembly of the device at all and so the entire device is thrown away once the liquid is consumed. Modern disposable vaping devices can be thought of as '1 -piece' devices in that the consumer treats them as a unitary device with no user-replaceable parts and no recharging capability: this stands in contrast with 'pod' based devices that have a user-replaceable pod or tip and are rechargeable.

[0008] Modem disposables are very convenient for users, since there is no dis-assembly and no recharging, and are simple to understand and use. Just like cigarettes, they are immediately ready to use, and are discarded once used up. But they are very damaging for the environment, and are very wasteful: the lithium ion battery in a modem disposable device is charged once by the manufacturer, and then the entire device is thrown away once all the liquid is used up (typically after 150 - 300 puffs), even though the battery could be re-charged and re-used multiple times.

[0009] Because modern disposables are designed to be cheap, throw-away items, the quality of the heating element and associated control circuitry may be poor, potentially leading to harmful emissions; often, there is usually no actual temperature control circuitry at all, but instead a simple power control circuit that may lead to the heating element reaching excessive temperatures, generating potentially harmful emissions. The main consumer appeal of modem disposable devices is the convenience of being able to use these devices out-of-the-box, and easily select different flavours at retail, all with no user set up and no swapping a used pod or tip for a new one (a slightly fiddly and potentially messy process) and no recharging. Modem disposables face bans in several countries because of their very negative environmental impact and marketing practices aimed at appealing to underage users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A first aspect of the invention is a vaping system including:

[0011] (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and

[0012] (b) a closed loop temperature control system including a microcontroller or chip configured with temperature control algorithm configured as an inner control loop and operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also configured with a second, outer control loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint.

[0013] The closed loop temperature control system significantly decreases the carbonyls and metals in the inhaled vapour; in one implementation, laboratory testing showed that a single conventional heating element (a mesh coil made of 316L stainless steel) can be used for at least 10,000 1 second puffs (equivalent to atomising approximately 30mL of liquid) with no detectable levels of any carbonyls or metals. This is a far cleaner and hence safer performance than is conventionally possible; also, this is a far greater longevity than is conventionally possible (conventional vaping devices generate measurable quantities of carbonyls and metals during normal operation, and fail after less than 1000 1 second puffs).

[0014] In implementations of this first aspect, the useable lifetime of the pod is hence greatly extended; furthermore, the useable lifetime of the vaping device (excluding the pod) can be extended by simply replacing the pod with a fresh pod, enabling the casing, battery and control electronics to be re-used multiple times. By combining a useable replaceable pod with the closed loop temperature control system defined above, we arrive at a product that is significantly better from a toxicology perspective and significantly better from a sustainability or environmental waster perspective.

[0015] We will look now at the closed loop temperature control system. One reason why a conventional vaping device lasts for typically no more than 500 1 second puffs is that the heating element overheats; for example, there can be localised hot spots that reach over 350C. At these elevated temperatures, the atomisable liquid can caramelise or otherwise bum on to the heating element, significantly limiting its lifetime; further, at these elevated temperatures, carbonyls and metals can be released into the inhaled vapour; these may be potentially carcinogenic.

[0016] In an implementation of the invention, the temperature of the heating element is carefully controlled so that it does not over-heat - as a consequence, the lifetime of the heating element is greatly extended and the toxicology is greatly improved, with potentially no carbonyls or metals at all. In one implementation, the impact is especially great: it means that a single pod can be safely used for 10000 1 second puffs (even greater lifetimes may be possible, but toxicology testing establishing safety compliance has so far only extended to 10000 1 second puffs, with a single pod). After 10000 puffs have been completed, then the user simply withdraws the used pod from the vaping device and inserts a fresh one into the device; the battery, control electronics, and external casing of the vaping device are hence re-used across multiple pods - potentially lasting 100K puffs or more. The contrast with a conventional disposable vaping device is marked: with a conventional disposable vaping device, the entire device (including heating element, control electronics and battery) are thrown away after just 300 - 500 puffs.

[0017] Different form factors of vaping devices can benefit from this invention. For example, it can be used in a conventional pod-based system, where a 2mL pod (pre-filled with liquid at a factory) sits on top of a bar-shaped body that includes the casing, battery and control electronics, or can be slid into a box -format body. Typically, the only thing that changes is that the control electronics has to implement that closed loop temperature control system; this may only require a software change, assuming that the control electronics already implements some sort of PWM power control to the heating element. In this scenario, the key benefit is in greatly increasing product safety, through the elimination of all carbonyls and metals in the inhaled vapour. Once the 2mL pod is empty, the user discards the pod and replaces it with a fresh, prefilled pod.

[0018] Another approach to providing the user with a vaping device capable of delivering a large number of inhalations is to incorporate not just a single pre-filled pod into the device, but several pre-filled pods (e.g. four) into the device; each pod can contain 2mL of liquid and the user can select which pod they wish to vape from by a simple mechanical action, such as moving a carousel that includes all of the pods to align the desired pod over the electrical power contacts. Once a pod is empty, then it can be slid out of the vaping device and replaced with a fresh pre-filled 2mL pod.

[0019] Whilst these form factors require no behavioural change from consumers, they do not exploit the greatly increased longevity now possible for even low cost heating elements. For that, we can implement this invention in a vaping system where the pod is not a single-use, non- refillable pod, but instead can be re-filled multiple times by the end-user. With one implementation, the user simply docks the vaping device into a small re-filling dock or case to refill the pod, e.g. with approximately 2mL liquid, delivered from a conventional lOmL liquid bottle. No disassembly of the vaping device is needed for this routine re-filling. The same pod can be fully re-filled many times (in one implementation, a pod has been shown to be refillable 15 times, whilst still producing no detectable levels of carbonyls or metals). This greatly reduces environmental impact. After 15 full re-fills (or 10,000 1 second inhalations) the device can be set to notify the user to replace the pod with a fresh pod; the case, battery and control electronics can however be used indefinitely. Note that 2mL liquid typically allows approximately 600 puffs (depending on variables such as length of each puff and depth of the draw). A total of lOmL might be consumed (i.e. five complete refills of the device) over a week or 10 days - so perhaps once a week or once every 10 days, the user the user replaces the liquid refill container (typically of lOmL capacity) that is inserted into the refill dock or case with a new liquid refill container. Again, no disposal or disassembly of the vaping device is needed. Perhaps once every three weeks or once a month (e.g. after the 10,000 1 second puff limit has been reached - associated with 30mL being atomised by a single pod - i.e. 3 lOmL containers are used up), the user discards the pod and replaces it with a new pod. The environmental impact of this system is far less than conventional disposable vaping systems, with significantly improved safety in terms of the vapour constituents. It is also potentially cheaper for users.

[0020] The invention can be implemented in a re-fillable vaping device we describe in more detail in Section B. This device can have the same external appearance as a conventional disposable device and offers the same ease of use as a conventional disposable device. In Section B, we describe a '2-piece Refillable Box or Bottle' device made up of the user-replaceable pod and a vaping device into which the pod slides or is attached. Once the pod reaches a total puff limit (e.g. 10,000 puffs) then the pod can be configured to cease operating and the user then replaces the pod with a fresh pod; the main body of the vaping device (including battery and control electronics) is preserved. So in this variant, the main body is permanent, and the pod is replaced every e.g. 10,000 puffs - typically once a month. If a user wishes to change to a different flavour or strength, then the pod can be replaced at any time with a pod of the desired flavour or strength.

[0021] As noted above, some device variants use a non-refillable pod that is replaced once its liquid contents have been consumed (that may be a daily occurrence); other variants use a refillable pod that is re-filled every day or every few days, and is replaced only after a very considerable number of inhalations (e.g. 10,000) or vaporisation of a considerable quantity of liquid (e.g. 30mL). (Eventually, the heating element in the pod may start to degrade; currently the toxicology profile has been laboratory tested to 10000 1 second puffs, using a simple stainless steel 316L heater; the device produces no measurable levels of any of the standard metals or carbonyls analysed during normal toxicology testing over 10,000 puffs. But for maximum consumer safety, the current implementations automatically end-of-life a pod once this 10,000 puff threshold is met).

[0022] Vaping devices that implement the invention can look like conventional modern disposable vaping devices (e.g. a tube or bar format or a bottle / box format modem disposable vaping device); each has a similar retail price point as a conventional modem disposable vaping device because each is constructionally very similar to a conventional modern disposable vaping device. But, unlike a conventional modem disposable vaping device, the heating element and liquid reservoir is in a user-replaceable pod. The pod may be non-refillable, or it may be refillable, making the device even less like a conventional modem disposable vaping device.

[0023] As noted above, re-filling may take place at a separate re-filling dock or case that the pod or vaping device slots into. But it is also possible to not have a separate re-filling system, but for the liquid re-filling system to be integrated into the vaping device itself - i.e. there is no separate liquid re-filling dock but instead the (typically) lOmL or larger refill bottle connects directly to the vaping device itself and feeds liquid to the pod; this can be done using a simple gravity feed mechanism in which the device is tipped (e.g. turned from the upright by approximately 90 degrees or more, tipped upside down or turned to the approximately horizontal) so that liquid from the lOmL etc bottle feeds into the pod. We will sometimes refer to this type of device as a 'hybrid vaping device', since it combines the appearance and ease of use of both single-use disposable vaping devices and also vaping devices that are designed to be re-filled with liquid and re-charged multiple times.

[0024] We have described automatic liquid re-filling systems in a series of patents and patent applications, the contents of which are incorporated by reference: PCT / GB2015 / 050574, PCT / GB2015 / 050573, PCT / GB2015 / 050571, PCT / GB2016 / 052700, PCT / GB2019 / 052922, US 9,247,773, US 10,624,394, US 10,130,119, and US 11,083,228 and US 2021-0337878.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] Implementations of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0027] Figures 1 - 7 are graphs showing the resistance v temperature behaviour of the heating element used in a vaping device; these graphs conceptually describe what steps are taken to enable the heating element to be controlled.

[0028] Figure 8A - 8B are a flow chart showing the logical operations taken to enable the heating element to be controlled using dual loop, closed loop temperature control.

[0029] Figure 9 is a temp v time graph showing the temperature of a heating element over time for a conventional fixed-power system (the darker line that rises steeply) and for an implementation of a dual loop, closed loop temperature control system (the lighter line that remains steady).

[0030] Figure 10A - 10B show a refillable bar or tube-shaped hybrid vaping device that is re-fillable; it is disposed of after typically ten complete liquid re-fills of approximately 1 ,5mL to 2mL with liquid; the device can safely atomise approximately 20mL to 30mL of liquid before tending to degrade and then the tip or pod is replaced with a fresh re-fillable tip or pod that slides onto the device body. The tip or pod may also be non-refillable and simple replaceable - e.g. slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body once its liquid (e.g. 2mL) is used up and replaced with another pre-filled non-refillable 2mL tip.

[0031] Figure 11, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B and 15 show a desktop re-filling device used to refill and re-charge the refillable tube-shaped hybrid vaping device, which is re-filled in one port in the re-filling device and then inverted and inserted into a different port in the re-filling device to re-charge its battery.

[0032] Figure 16A - 16B show a variant of the refillable bar or tube-shaped hybrid vaping device with both a re-filling aperture and also re-charging contacts at the tip end of the device. It is refilled and re-charged at a re-filling device with a single port that both re-fills and re-charges the vaping device. The tip or pod 103 is user-replaceable; e.g. it can be slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body and replaced with a new tip or pod 163. Figure 17, 18, 19, 20, 21A, 21B and 22 show the re-filling device with a single port that both re-fills and re-charges, together with a refillable bar or tube-shaped vaping device in various states.

[0033] Figure 23A - 23D show the interaction sequence of taking a refill bottle and inserting that when inverted into a port in the refill dock; then taking a refillable bar or tube-shaped vaping device and inserting that inverted into a second port in the refill dock.

[0034] Figure 24 shows a larger re-filling device for use in a bar, restaurant or shop; it can dispense nine different flavours of liquid.

[0035] Figure 25A - 25D show the lOmL refill bottle.

[0036] Figure 26A - 26B are views of the second variant of the vaping device, i.e. the bottle or box shaped device.

[0037] Figure 27 is a view of the main body of the bottle or box shaped vaping device, showing the separate, internal compartments for a rechargeable battery and the liquid reservoir / heater assembly.

[0038] Figure 28 shows the bottle or box shaped hybrid vaping device with casing removed, revealing the key internal components and structures.

[0039] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the hybrid vaping device shown in Figure 28.

[0040] Figure 30 shows the interaction sequence of taking a refill bottle and inserting that when inverted into a port in the refill and recharge dock; then taking a bottle or box-shaped hybrid vaping device and inserting that into a second port in the refill and recharge dock.

[0041] Figure 31A - 31B are side and top-down views of the bottle or box shaped hybrid vaping device. Figure 32A - B shows the interaction sequence of taking a refill bottle and inserting that when inverted into a port in a cuboid refill and recharge dock; then taking a box-shaped hybrid vaping device and inserting that into a second port in the refill and recharge dock.

[0042] Figure 33 is an enlarged view showing the box-shaped hybrid vaping device over the cuboid shaped refill and recharge dock.

[0043] Figure 34 shows a semi-transparent view of the cuboid shaped refill and recharge dock.

[0044] Figure 35 shows the user-replaceable pod, plus the vaping device that the pod slots into, plus the refill and recharge dock.

[0045] Figure 36 and 37 are views of the user-replaceable pod.

[0046] Figure 38 is a view of the electrical contacts on the user-replaceable pod.

[0047] Figure 39 is a view of the electrical contacts on the vaping device.

[0048] Figure 40 is a view of the bottom of the user-replaceable pod.

[0049] Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view of the user-replaceable pod.

[0050] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the user-replaceable pod and a separate vaping device for that pod.

[0051] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the user-replaceable pod when slotted into a vaping device.

[0052] Index to integers referenced in the Figures

[0053] 101 vaping device charging contacts

[0054] 102 vaping device body

[0055] 103 vaping device tip 104 silicone filling valve in the tip

[0056] 105 liquid reservoir in the tip

[0057] 110 automatic liquid re-filling and re-charging device or dock

[0058] 111 first port in the dock, for the refill bottle

[0059] 112 liquid refill container

[0060] 113 tube in the dock connecting the refill bottle to the electric pump

[0061] 114 electric peristaltic pump in the dock

[0062] 115 liquid filling nozzle in the dock

[0063] 116 second port in the dock, for re-filling the vaping device

[0064] 117 electrical contact pins in the dock

[0065] 118 capacitive sensing plates in the dock

[0066] 120 refill bottle

[0067] 121 small, removable sticker for the refill bottle

[0068] 122 first port in the dock, for the refill bottle

[0069] 123 second port in the dock, for re-filling the vaping device

[0070] 124 third port in the dock, for recharging the vaping device

[0071] 130 second port in the dock, for re-filling the vaping device

[0072] 131 vaping device

[0073] 132 status light ring in the dock, around the re-filling port

[0074] 133 refill bottle

[0075] 140 vaping device

[0076] 141 third port in the dock for recharging the vaping device

[0077] 142 status light ring in the dock, around the recharging port

[0078] 151 inverted vaping device when being refilled

[0079] 152 upright vaping device when being recharged

[0080] 161 re-fill opening in the tip

[0081] 162 re-charging contacts in the tip

[0082] 163 vaping device tip

[0083] 164 small window into the interior of the tip

[0084] 170 re-filling device or dock with combined refill and recharge port

[0085] 171 first port in the dock, for the refill bottle

[0086] 172 refill bottle

[0087] 173 second port in the dock, for both re-filling and recharging the vaping device

[0088] 174 vaping device 181 refill bottle

[0089] 182 re-filling and recharging port

[0090] 183 re-fill nozzle

[0091] 184 electrical charging contacts

[0092] 190 vaping device tip

[0093] 191 window into the interior of the tip

[0094] 192 electrical charging contacts

[0095] 193 combined re-filling and re-charging port

[0096] 200 annular, cylindrical open-foam liquid reservoir

[0097] 201 mesh electrical resistance based heater

[0098] 202 cotton tab that feed liquid to the mesh heater

[0099] 203 cylindrical metal tube that sits inside the foam reservoir and contains the heater

[0100] 204 silicone base underneath the open-foam liquid reservoir

[0101] 205 air passage through the silicone base

[0102] 206 narrow pipes or channels the filling needles penetrate

[0103] 208 electrical charging contacts

[0104] 211 status light ring in the re-filling and recharging dock

[0105] 212 re-filling and recharging port in the dock

[0106] 213 refill bottle

[0107] 221 status light ring in the re-filling and recharging dock

[0108] 222 quarter segment in the status light ring

[0109] 230 refill bottle

[0110] 231 refill bottle port in the dock

[0111] 232 refill and recharge dock

[0112] 233 vaping device

[0113] 234 re-filling and recharging port in the dock

[0114] 240 liquid re-filling and recharging unit for pubs, clubs or retail

[0115] 241 nine liquid re-filling ports

[0116] 242 lOOmL liquid refill bottles

[0117] 243 silicone or paper covers for the vaping device tips

[0118] 244 three re-charging ports in the dock

[0119] 245 payment card touch / proximity reader

[0120] 250 bottle cap

[0121] 251 circular hole in the centre of the top of the bottle cap 252 slot in the cap that guides and secures the bottle into position in the dock

[0122] 253 silicone or rubber septa seal

[0123] 254 refill bottle neck with thread

[0124] 255 set of flanges on the neck of the refill bottle

[0125] 256 refill bottle, main body

[0126] 257 locking stubs in the cap

[0127] 260 mouthpiece of the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device

[0128] 261 top section of the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device

[0129] 262 body casing of the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device

[0130] 263 base section of the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device

[0131] 264 battery

[0132] 265 PCB

[0133] 266 void that separates the rear of the PCB from the liquid reservoir compartment

[0134] 267 metal tube or chimney

[0135] 268 cotton tab for liquid delivery

[0136] 269 cylindrical foam liquid reservoir

[0137] 270 battery chamber

[0138] 271 cylindrical chamber for the cylindrical foam liquid reservoir

[0139] 272 PCB guide slots

[0140] 273 external body wall

[0141] 280 air inlet in the base of the vaping device

[0142] 281 pair of apertures through which the liquid filling nozzles pass

[0143] 290 vapour nozzle in the top section of the vaping device

[0144] 292 silicone top plug

[0145] 293 two small holes in the silicone top plug

[0146] 294 air passage in the internal silicone base section

[0147] 295 internal silicone base section

[0148] 296 pressure drop sensor

[0149] 297 twin silicone channels through which the liquid filling nozzles pass

[0150] 298 vapour escape aperture in the silicone plug

[0151] 299 integral 'O' rings in the internal silicone base section

[0152] 320 cuboid refill and recharge dock

[0153] 321 port in the dock to receive the box-shaped vaping device

[0154] 322 liquid refill bottle or container (typically lOmL capacity) 323 cap of the liquid refill bottle

[0155] 324 port in the dock to receive the refill bottle

[0156] 325 box shaped vaping device

[0157] 330 cuboid refill and recharge dock

[0158] 331 port in the dock to receive the box-shaped vaping device

[0159] 332 box shaped vaping device

[0160] 333 liquid refill bottle or container

[0161] 334 status lights

[0162] 340 cuboid refill and recharge dock

[0163] 341 liquid refill bottle or container

[0164] 342 mouthpiece of vaping device

[0165] 343 capacitive liquid level sensing plate

[0166] 344 USB-C port

[0167] 345 electric motor powering the peristaltic pump

[0168] 346 peristaltic pump

[0169] 350 box shaped vaping device

[0170] 351 user-replaceable pod (includes mouthpiece, heater, child liquid reservoir)

[0171] 352 outer casing of the user-replaceable pod

[0172] 353 mouthpiece in the user-replaceable pod

[0173] 354 opening in body of the vaping device to receive the user-replaceable pod

[0174] 355 user-replaceable pod electrical contacts

[0175] 356 air inlet nozzle at base of the user-replaceable pod

[0176] 357 pair of liquid injection ports - at opposite ends of a diameter passing through the base of the user-replaceable pod

[0177] 358 refill dock

[0178] 359 foam based liquid reservoir in the user-replaceable pod

[0179] 360 metal tube or chimney in the user-replaceable pod

[0180] 361 'O' rings

[0181] 363 microchip or other ID in the pod

[0182] 365 electrical contacts in the vaping device that connect to the pod

[0183] 366 liquid filing channels in the base of the pod

[0184] 367 lower silicone plug

[0185] 368 upper silicone plug

[0186] 369 channels through upper silicone plug for power leads to heater and air escape 370 silicone base section in vaping device body

[0187] 371 air passage through silicone base section

[0188] 372 air path

[0189] 373 chamber in the vaping device to receive the pod 374 air inlet to the silicone base section

[0190] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0191] This Detailed Description describes various implementations of the invention and is divided into the following sections:

[0192] Section A: Closed loop temperature control

[0193] Part I: Overview of the closed feedback loop temperature control system used in one implementation of the invention

[0194] Part II: Dual control loop approach

[0195] Part III: Summary of the Key Features of Closed Loop Temperature Control

[0196] Section B: Section B: Next Generation Vaping Device with User-Replaceable Pod

[0197] Section C: Dynamic battery charging dependent on the liquid fill level in the vaping device

[0198] Section D: Always-on data connectivity; the AyrLock feature

[0199] Section E: Recycling polypropylene nicotine bottles

[0200] Section F: Key Features

[0201] Section A: Closed loop temperature control

[0202] In this section, we describe a closed loop temperature control system for vaping devices that use resistance-based heating elements with a measurable temperature coefficient of resistance.

[0203] Section A, Part I: Overview of the closed feedback loop temperature control system used in one implementation of the invention

[0204] The closed loop temperature system implemented by the invention delivers accurate control of the heating element temperature; this is very important in enabling the heating element to provide consistent, safe vapour over at least 5,000 puffs or inhalations, of at least 1 second duration or atomising over 15mL of liquid. Conventional pod-based or single use disposable vaping devices provide significantly less than 5,000 puffs or inhalations and can safely atomise significantly less than 15mL of liquid - typically just 500 puffs and 2mL of liquid.

[0205] Accurate temperature control is also important because: (i) it ensures safety (if excess temperatures are reached, then potentially carcinogenic carbonyls and other dangerous substances such as metals can be generated in the inhaled vapour); (ii) it prevents an unpleasant burning taste; (iii) it provides a consistent delivery of nicotine in each puff, at the desired strength; and (iv) it leads to better taste and also for that better taste to last for many more puffs. For cannabinoids, accurate temperature control is especially important because different compounds (e.g. different cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids) have different evaporation temperatures and, since the aim is to deliver a psycho-active or physical impact that is specific to a user's requirements, that requires evaporating precisely the right compounds at the right time; note that with implementations of this invention, the temperature control can be fixed during a puff, or alter during a puff, or during a session, to deliver the optimal experience.

[0206] The typical vaping device is made up of a body, which contains the battery and control electronics, and a removable or fixed pod, often called a 'tip'; the pod or tip is pre-filled (at the liquid filling facility) with atomisable liquid (e.g. the typical nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine mix). The tip includes a heating element and a porous barrier that separates the heating element from the liquid in the tip; liquid passes through the porous barrier (e.g. by capillary action) and on contact with a heating element when heated to a typical 270°C then vaporises, forming an inhalable vapor. (Note that for cannabinoids, the temperature will be significantly lower, typically between 180°C and 210°C, depending on what specific compounds are meant to be evaporated). For a modern disposables, the battery and the liquid reservoir are located inside a 1 -piece device, with the liquid reservoir in a liquid-sealed compartment in the device. There is no removable tip. The systems described in this Section A can be used in vaping devices where the tip is (i) removable and non-refillable; (ii) removable and refillable; (iii) non-removable and non-refillable; (iv) non-removable and refillable; these systems are independent of the device form factor.

[0207] In one implementation of the closed feedback loop temperature control system, the vaping device is programmed with a target or setpoint temperature for the heated atomiser (e.g. 270°C or 220°C - the exact temperature depends on various factors); the device automatically infers the current temperature of the heater / atomiser (many times a second) by calculating the realtime resistance of the heating element from the real-time values of the voltage and current sent to the heating element (which are automatically generated by the power management chip in the device).

[0208] Since the device is programmed with the temperature co-efficient of resistance, or a derived parameter or dataset, of the heating element, the device can infer the real-time temperature of the heating element from its real-time resistance. The device sends both the setpoint / target temperature for the heating element and the current or real-time temperature for that element as inputs to a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller: the PID controller alters the PWM (pulse width modulation) duty cycle of the power delivered to the heating element so that the real-time temperature of the heating element rapidly reaches and then automatically tracks around the setpoint temperature. In practice, this requires very careful adjustment of the PID parameters, through trial and experimentation at the design stage, until the following requirements are met:

[0209] • Sufficiently rapid attainment of target setpoint temperature at the start, from cold.

[0210] • Sufficiently small overshoot when first reaching the target setpoint temperature.

[0211] • Sufficiently close maintenance of the real-time temperature to the setpoint temperature.

[0212] • Sufficiently high production of nicotine (or whatever desired substance is being atomised).

[0213] • Sufficiently stable and consistent level of production of nicotine etc. in the vapour to be inhaled.

[0214] • Sufficiently stable and consistent level of flavourings. Laboratory testing on the amount of menthol over the range of puffs (e.g. 10000 puffs) is one way to assess this.

[0215] • No burning taste from the inhaled vapour, including in the dry vape condition (i.e. when there is no liquid to be atomised).

[0216] • Good quality vapour taste or experience.

[0217] • Good quality vapour taste or experience over many puffs (e.g. 300 puffs).

[0218] • No detectable carbonyls or metals over the entire lifetime of the heating element. Different types or designs of atomising coil or heating plate etc. can require very different closed loop temperature control parameters, including PID parameters. The closed feedback loop temperature control approach that this invention implements works across a broad range of resistance based heating element types that exhibit a measurable temperature coefficient of resistance. For example: coil would around a ceramic or placed on or in a ceramic or other wicking material; coil would around cotton, or placed on or in a ceramic or other wicking material; a metal mesh, a flat plate (e.g. sinuous flat 316L stainless steel) placed on or in a ceramic or other wicking material; resistive film placed on or in a ceramic or other wicking material; sintered metal plate placed on or in a ceramic or other wicking material; resistive layer coated onto a ceramic; and other heating element designs, such as graphene or other carbon-based heaters, and other wicking materials, including non-cotton wicking materials.

[0219] Note that cotton-based wicking materials when dry (i.e. there is no or insufficient e-liquid) can burn when heated to above approximately 120°C, and so, to eliminate problems with burning of the wicking material if the wicking material is dry, it is preferable to choose a non-cotton wicking material that does not burn when dry at the temperature reached by the heating element (and that temperature is typically the same irrespective of whether there is any e-liquid or not). Another approach that allows even cotton (as well as other wicking materials) to be used as the wicking material, is described in Section C.

[0220] With conventional power-based control systems (i.e. systems which apply a fixed power to the heating element), maintaining good temperature control usually requires the complex and careful design of the entire heating element and ceramic system, leading to a costly overall system, generally unsuited to low-cost disposable vaping devices or to generating a high margin in more sophisticated devices. Because the control approach in the implementation described in this Section A is software-based, it is very low cost; the software can be run on a low cost microcontroller and it is especially relevant to improving the performance, consistency and preventing burning and the production of dangerous carbonyls etc. in vaping devices, including disposables, that use simple heating elements.

[0221] In higher cost (i.e. higher cost to the consumer) vaping devices, it enables lower cost heating elements to be used, and yet these cheaper types of heating elements can now deliver performance and safety that is as good as more costly ceramic systems, hence significantly increasing the profitability to the manufacturer. Further, the toxicology profile of ceramic systems can vary significantly across devices; with the Section A control approach, it is possible to deliver farm more consistent and better toxicology results, even using much cheaper heating elements, like low cost 316L mesh heaters.

[0222] Lower cost heating elements can also be made, for example, of a thin stainless steel sheet (often with a sinuous form) or a thin wire: the thermal mass is very low and so rapid fluctuations in the temperature of the heating element when power is supplied are possible; this makes designing an effective closed feedback loop temperature control system that works well, even with very low thermal mass heating elements, very challenging. The present implementation solves this challenge.

[0223] In the following parts of Section A, we explain in more detail the steps involved in the operation of one implementation of the closed feedback loop temperature control system.

[0224] Step 1: The first step is for the PV (personal vaping device or vapouriser) device to measure the basic resistance of the heating element (e.g. coil / mesh / plate etc.) in the pod or tip attached to the body of that PV. Note that when we use the term 'tip', we are not implying that the tip is necessarily removable; we are simply using it to refer to the heating element. This resistance may vary from tip to tip (i.e. device to device, where there is no removable tip as such) due to production variance and so the resistance for each specific tip and hence each specific heating element has to be automatically determined.

[0225] This is done by the PV detecting when a tip (also called a pod, as noted earlier) is inserted onto the vaping device body (the body includes the battery, control electronics and air pressure sensor). The pod is typically pressed on to the end of the PV body, either at the factory or by an end-user or slid in part into a matching opening in the vaping device body) and then measuring the coil / mesh / plate resistance for the specific heating element in that tip or pod over a short burst of power to the heating element. For the hybrid vaping devices described later in Section B, the tip and body can be part of a 1 -piece PV device and the tip may not be removable - there is then no need to initially detect when a tip is inserted and instead the process can start with the heating element resistance measurement. But for the removable and replaceable podbased systems (e.g. as defined in the first aspect of the invention), it is useful to initially detect when a new pod is inserted into the vaping device body and to then measure the coil / mesh / plate resistance for the specific heating element in that specific tip or pod over a short burst of power to the heating element.. For simplicity, we will refer to measuring parameters of the tip or pod in this Section A, but more exactly we are then referring to measuring parameters of the specific heating element.

[0226] An ADC in the power management chip in the PV records the instantaneous V and I, multiple times a second during this burst of power; the instantaneous resistance is calculated for each measurement (Ohm’s law); we take five of these sequential resistance measurements to generate an average resistance value for this specific heating element.

[0227] The device can also measure the ambient temperature (with a circuit in the PV device). Alternatively, we can simply assume that this initial characterisation step is being done at an ambient temperature of say 25°C; this would be appropriate for a PV that does not have the native ability to measure ambient temperature; this may be the case for low cost vaping devices, like disposables.

[0228] Given the ambient temperature (or an assumption about the temperature when this initial resistance characterisation is made), we have the key datapoint to define this particular heating element's resistance v temperature behaviour, as shown in Figure 1.

[0229] For single-use vaping devices, or the multi-use variant described in Section B without a user- replaceable pod, this initial resistance characterisation process will take place in the factory assembling the entire PV device. For devices with a user-replaceable pod, this process can take place in the factory assembling the device, and will also take place whenever the user places a new tip or pod on the body of the PV. In addition, during production, we may (optionally) calibrate the measurement of the resistance (i.e. I and V) with a standard load. That way we can ensure that we can isolate the coil / mesh etc. resistance from any resistance in the PV circuit.

[0230] It is also possible for the pod or vaping device to include a chip that records data about the heating element; this data could include the resistance characterisation. If so, then there is no need to repeat the resistance characterisation when the tip is placed by a user on to the device; instead, the resistance measurement is simply read off by the PV electronics and used by the PV. Step 2: The material used for the heating element will have a known temperature coefficient of resistance; the device manufacturer or designer will generally independently test and measure that parameter for a number of sample heating elements; in practice, the values can deviate from the published databook values, so actual measurement is important. The temperature coefficient of resistance is (to a first order approximation) a straight line, so that it is possible to plot, as shown in Figure 2, the actual resistance v temperature line for a specific tip, if we have just the one datapoint, e.g. from measuring the resistance at a known temperature, as done in Step 1.

[0231] Step 3: The PV device can calculate or look up any point on the resistance v temperature line for this tip or heating element, and so the device can readily derive a value of the resistance of the tip or heating element at the working setpoint temperature through a simple linear extrapolation.

[0232] The temperature setpoint is typically set somewhere between 220°C or 250°C, but is in any event settable in software and so readily varied to account for (i) different atomising liquids (e.g. CBD atomisers work at lower temperatures than nicotine atomisers) or (ii) consumer preference. Whilst a digression from the explanation of the closed loop control algorithm, it is worth noting that a user might want one, e.g. the first, puff to be really ‘hot’ with high nicotine and a substantial vapour cloud, in which case a high temperature could be used, and some minutes later might want to adjust their vaping device to produce a much gentler inhalation with minimal vapor cloud, in which case the device would automatically use a lower setpoint temperature. The PV device could include a simple ‘boost’ or 'strength' type button that the user selects so that the device then automatically increases the setpoint temperature, and / or a ‘discrete’ button that lowers the setpoint temperature. Or a sliding control could be used, that enables the user to set a variable setpoint temperature; both options could be implemented in a smartphone app, where the vaping device is a connected device. There is one use case that is worth touching on: One challenge that users face with vaping devices is over-consumption of nicotine, or continuous grazing; a cigarette has a natural ending, when it is burnt through, typically after 10 - 15 inhalations or about 3 minutes. But there is no equivalent end-point in a conventional liquid-based vaping device. But because of the accuracy with which this implementation can vary the setpoint temperature, it is possible to automatically increase the setpoint after a preset number of inhalations or time to signify to the user that a set number of inhalations have been made or that they have been vaping for a certain time, to help them avoid excessive use. For example, some users especially value the final inhalation of a cigarette, and they take particular pleasure in it; this system can mimic that user experience; for example, for every 10th inhalation, the setpoint temperature can be increased, giving a stronger, warmer inhalation, signalling to the user that this is a 10th inhalation and that the user can hence cease vaping, to mirror the experience of having consumed an entire cigarette. Alternatively, the user could set the device so that after a set time, for example after 5 minutes of regular vaping, the device generates a stronger, more potent inhalation. By experientially rewarding the user with a stronger, more potent inhalation, a user is more likely to accept that signal to stop vaping than if a non-reward signal (e.g. a haptic vibration) is provided.

[0233] We return now to the explanation of the closed loop control algorithm: In addition to knowing the likely resistance for this specific tip or pod (i.e. heating element) at the setpoint temperature, we can also infer, through linear extrapolation, as shown in Figure 3, the likely resistance at some other temperature, which in one implementation we set at 0° C, and we call this resistance RO. We will see later that we use this RO value to enable us to normalise the outputs from different heating elements - to in effect compensate for the fact that different heating elements can have different absolute values of resistance at the same temperature.

[0234] So RO is a value of resistance for this specific heating element (e.g. coil / mesh / plate etc.) at 0° C. It could be any temperature, but we choose 0°C Celsius for convenience and clarity. R0 gives us a stable point and should be consistent for this specific pod or heating element whatever the ambient temperature when creating the initial resistance data point and whatever the resistance v temperature behaviour is for that tip or heating element; as noted above, we will expand on why this is important later in this section.

[0235] As also noted above, a linear extrapolation of the resistance at the measured temperature to the resistance at 0°C assumes that the actual relationship between temperature and resistance is linear. In fact, the relationship is slightly non-linear; we can capture that shape in a look-up table, populated with temperature / resi stance pairs; this allow a more accurate R0 for each specific pod to be generated. There is a further issue here: the heating element may not be at the same temperature as that measured in the PV (e.g. the tip might have been taken from a very warm storage area) so there is an extra check done to make sure that the heating element resistance is stable (and since it is now physically connected to the PV it should be at the same temperature as the PV) before we accept the new RO value: specifically, we need 30s of stable resistance measurements (not varying by more than say 1%) before we generate an RO from those stable measurements.

[0236] We have now completed, in Steps 1 - 3, the automatic resistance v temperature characterisation of a specific tip or heating element (we will call this 'Tip A'). This process is repeated automatically for every tip or heating element. Different tips or heating elements have sufficiently different resistance v temperature behaviour; characterising each individual heating element significantly increases reduces the accuracy of the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

[0237] Step 4: We look now at what happens during a single puff or inhalation with this Tip A.

[0238] When the user sucks on the tip, that inhalation is detected (e.g. by a simple negative pressure drop sensor, or a more sophisticated MEMS based pressure sensor).

[0239] Note that activation of a puff sensor (e.g. conventional electret negative pressure sensor or more sophisticated MEMs based sensor) sends a logic signal to the microcontroller, which in turn enables power to be sent to the heating element. By using the negative pressure sensor to send a logic control pulse to the microcontroller, which acts as the switch determining whether power is supplied to the heating element or not, we have much more reliable activation of the heating element.

[0240] This approach differs from how pressure sensors are conventionally used. Conventionally, the pressure sensor itself is the switch that determines whether power is supplied to the heating element via the pressure sensor itself; this is much more prone to mis-firings, i.e. activation of power when it should not be applied. One problem with very cheap vaporizers is that the electronic switch connected directly to the coil is placed inside the sensor with the pressure diaphragm in it. The switch has the whole of the coil current running through it when puffing and this is of the order of say 4Amps.). Further, the "on" resistance of the switch is usually very low, say typically 20 mOhms but this is subject to manufacturing variation and may even be as high as something like 50 mOhms, especially if a particularly cheap switch is being used, so the power dissipated through the switch is a significant proportion of 1 Watt. There is quite a heating problem in the pressure sensor which is small and likely to be sealed on all sides except the diaphragm, to prevent air leaks. It therefore may not be able to dissipate the heat except through the diaphragm, which, since by its nature, it is quite fragile, may well become distorted, especially with continuous or heavy puffing. The distortion may lead to the diaphragm becoming stuck on (i.e. inverted) or to fire at odd times, maybe with very little pressure difference. This is the most likely cause of the misfiring that can occur in low-cost disposable vaping devices.

[0241] But in an implementation of the invention, the pressure sensor only has a very low current running through it, e.g. less than 1 mA when activated, so there is almost no heating and the diaphragm is much less likely to be damaged. The vaping device can also check the sensor signal in the MCU and stop firing the coil if it goes on too long and only allow it to fire again once it has been turned off, i.e. the device automatically prevents the "stuck on" issue even due to simple manufacturing or mechanical defects. The vaping device can also prevent the coil from firing when it is being charged even though the sensor may have become pressurised, e.g. by dropping the vape into the dock.

[0242] Returning to normal device operation now: The device then initiates a cycle of measurement and power application (using a PWM system) that repeats once every 16ms. This 16ms cycle is divided into 256 PWM timeslots; an ADC in the power management chip records the instantaneous V and I multiple times during each timeslot; the instantaneous resistance is calculated for each measurement (Ohm’s law); the device takes 5 five of these sequential resistance measurements to generate an average resistance value.

[0243] So the device measures instantaneous V and I multiple times, across many of the 256 timeslots, whenever power is being supplied. We set a minimum number of timeslots during which measurement occurs; we currently use 11 timeslots, but this is determined by experimentation with each specific type of heating element.

[0244] The timeslots used for measurement can be distributed across the entire 16ms cycle; the timing of the instantaneous V and I measurement can be asynchronous with the timing of the timeslots. But the device is set to require 5 resistance measurements in a 16ms cycle to generate a valid real-time resistance; from that valid real-time resistance the device infers the real-time temperature of the heating element, as shown in Figure 4.

[0245] The calculation of how much power to be applied is determined by a PID closed loop temperature control algorithm; the inputs to the PID are the setpoint temperature and the inferred real-time temperature: the delta between these two determines how much power is delivered to the heating element through a PID based feedback controller, as shown in Figure 5. The output of the PID controls the PWM duty cycle; the aim is to reach the required setpoint temperature within a fraction of a second, without greatly exceeding that setpoint temperature and to maintain the heating element at that setpoint temperature, for so long as the device is being inhaled from.

[0246] The name of the algorithm, PID, defines three different settings that are combined, proportional, integral and differential, to determine how the power to be applied is calculated. Integral is used to track slow changes to the coil / mesh / plate etc. resistance (e.g. when the coil / mesh / plate etc. is roughly at the right temperature); differential to track sudden or large changes (e.g. when the user first puffs) and proportional to mix or smooth the two. What tends to happen is that when the user first inhales and the temperature control algorithm starts, the device sees that the coil / mesh / plate is relatively cold, e.g. at ambient room temperature, and the PID output ensures that all of the 256 slots in each 16ms cycle apply power, basically applying all the power available from the battery. After a few hundred milliseconds the temperature of the coil / mesh / plate approaches the set temperature and the PID output leads to backing off the number of slots in which power is applied, so a steady state is reached.

[0247] The PID calculation is optimised (typically through extensive empirical adjustments at design time with each new heating element design) to get the temperature to rise as steeply as possible without overshooting excessively, and then keeping it steady from there for the remaining duration of the puff to keep consistent vapour generation. So the power profile is a large spike at the start rising as rapidly as possible and then an exponential like decay to a steady state to maintain the temperature during the puff.

[0248] Alternatively, instead of using any of the 256 timeslots distributed across the entire set of 256 timeslots to measure the instantaneous resistance of the heating element, the device can be configured to use only a pre-defined set of the timeslots specifically to measure the atomiser temperature: for example, the algorithm could use the first 'x' slots (11 is likely to be the minimum for most heating element designs) could be used to take a single (indirect) measurement of the temperature of the coil / mesh / plate, using the instantaneous V and I data from the ADC in the power management chip, from which resistance is calculated, and from which temperature is inferred. This x number can change depending on how accurate we want the measurement to be, but we try to keep it as small as possible since measuring the resistance is done by passing current through the heating element, which therefore heats it up; the remaining 245 slots will have power applied or not dependant on how much and how quickly we want the coil / mesh / plate to heat up. So this means that during a puff, the vaping device is automatically checking the temperature of the coil / mesh / plate once every 16ms.

[0249] Irrespective of how the V / I measurement is done across the timeslots, if the measured real-time resistance suggests that the actual heating element temperature is much less than the temperature setpoint, then the PID alters the PWM duty cycle to use all of the available timeslots to apply power. The number of slots used to apply power gradually decreases each cycle as we approach the setpoint temperature; in a typical steady state, approximately 100 - 200 slots per 16ms cycle are used to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the setpoint.

[0250] At the end of each 16ms cycle, a final set of 5 resistance measurements are taken to generate an average resistance that is used by the PID closed loop temperature control algorithm to set an initial real-time temperature for the next cycle.

[0251] We explained earlier that different heating elements can have different resistance v temperature graphs - i.e. lines that are parallel but have different Y-axis intercepts. Recall that we measure the resistance for all tips or heating elements at a known (or assumed) temperature, typically ambient. For each tip or heating element, the device extrapolates back to what the resistance of each tip would be at a fixed temperature; we use 0°C but other temperature datums could be used. We then characterise the resistance of each tip at this fixed temperature - e.g. for Tip A, it is RA at 0°C and for Tip B, it is RB at 0°C, as shown in Figure 6.

[0252] We now need to normalise across all tips or heating elements, so that the actual inferred, realtime temperatures sent to the PID by each TIP are consistent with each other - i.e. takes into account that different tips have different resistance v temperature Y-axis intercepts and eliminate that inconsistency. We do this by subtracting the Ro value for each tip or heating elements from the measured resistance for that tip. So for Tip A, we subtract RA and for Tip B, we subtract RB. The effect is to move the Y-intercept for each line down so that both pass through the same resistance value at 0°C, as shown in Figure 7. For Tip B, we move it down more than for Tip A, since RB is larger thanRA.

[0253] So it is in practice this normalised inferred temperature that is sent to the PID; this ensures that we can measure the effectiveness of the temperature control algorithm across different heating elements (e.g. accuracy in maintaining the setpoint temperature; the level and consistency of nicotine or other substance vaporisation; the absence of any burning taste in the vapor), whilst taking into account the inherent variability in the resistance v temperature response of each individual tip or heating elements.

[0254] Section A, Part II: Dual control loop approach

[0255] With some designs of heating element or atomiser, the closed loop temperature control algorithm described above can prove to be insufficiently accurate; that can apply, for example where the heating element has a very low thermal mass, and / or for example where the heating plate can during normal operation significantly heat the liquid stored in a liquid reservoir (the stored liquid is typically in thermal contact with the heating element, but has to pass through a porous material to physically reach the heating element) leading to a complex and difficult to model overall thermal system, with potentially highly localised liquid-gas phase transitions.

[0256] For that sort of very complex environment (i.e. an environment that is difficult to model and control, rather than being necessarily physically complex), we use the closed loop temperature control algorithm described above, but supplement it with an additional closed loop control system; it is a dual control loop system.

[0257] The dual control loop system is not limited to complex environments; it is also especially useful in low-cost vaping devices, since it enables high levels of consistent and safe performance to be achieved, even using low cost conventional heating elements such as simple coils wound on cotton or ceramic, or mesh elements inside concentric foam surrounds, or thin, planar stainless steel heating plates.

[0258] It is also especially useful in liquid re-fillable devices that can be automatically re-filled at a desktop dock or case (such as disclosed in PCT / GB2019 / 052922 and Section B below) because, not only does it enable high levels of consistent and safe performance to be achieved, but it can significantly enhance the lifetime of the heating element used (even low cost heating elements like simple coil systems or thin, planar stainless steel heating plates or meshes) because it eliminates the excessively high heating element temperatures that can lead to the creation of residues (these can appear as baked-on dark brown residues) that significantly reduce the lifetime of the heating element. For example, a typical heating element in a conventional PV tip might last for 300 puffs before its performance degrades below an acceptable threshold. With the dual control loop system described in this section, it is possible for the same heating element to last 10,000 puffs. That in turn has a major impact on the environmental impact and the economics of the re-fillable system: the main consumable is the liquid re-fill bottle (typically a lOmL bottle, where compliance with EU law is mandated); as this can be a simple polypropylene or glass blown bottle, it is very cheap to manufacture; it makes this auto re-fillable system the most cost efficient and hence profitable way to supply liquid nicotine. A secondary consumable is the user-replaceable tip or pod; each pod can last potentially ten or more times longer than a conventional pod if the dual loop system is used. That translates in practice to one lOmL bottle, plus 1 pod, replacing thirty or more conventional pre-filled tips, each with sub-2mL liquid capacity, or 5 complete 1-piece disposable PVs. The environmental and sustainability advantages are very significant.

[0259] In one implementation, the closed loop temperature control algorithm described above in Part I remains as the inner control loop, attempting to regulate the duty cycle in each 16ms group of 256 timeslots, but it is now supplemented with an outer control loop, which is a PID closed loop power control algorithm.

[0260] In this outer control loop, the system can regulate for example to a power setpoint (e.g. an average power per puff), as opposed to the temperature setpoint used in the inner control loop. The system measures the average power in a puff, and if the average power is below the power setpoint, then the system increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, the closed loop temperature control algorithm, for the next puff. During this next puff, the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase the duty cycle. The system again measures the average power in this next puff and if the average power is below the power setpoint, then the system automatically increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff; if the average power is above the power setpoint, then the system automatically decreases the temperature setpoint for the following puff.

[0261] We calculate the average power as follows. The system again use the instantaneous V and I generated by the system MCU for each timeslot that power is delivered; the system calculates instantaneous power (V x I) a number of times for a defined period (e.g. an entire single puff, or some other amount, e.g. a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles).

[0262] Example: Assume that the power target or setpoint is 7.2W; if the actual average power used is less over a single puff (or other defined period), by an amount we call the power ‘error’, then we increase the temperature setpoint measured in Celsius, in the inner temperature control loop described above, by a factor, Kp, for example 5 times the power ‘error’. Note that the size of this Kpfactor is typically found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

[0263] So if the measured average power over a puff is 7.0W, so that the power error is 0.2W, then we increase the temperature setpoint by 5 x 0.2, i.e. 1°C for the next puff (or another period). If the temperature setpoint was originally 270°C, then it will now be set to 271 °C. for the next puff. If the measured average power over a puff is 8.0W, then the power error is 0.8W, and we decrease the temperature setpoint by 5 x 0.8, i.e. 4°C, or 264°C for the next puff.

[0264] Note that the temperature setpoint can be set at the level deemed necessary to deliver a target amount of nicotine; a PV could hence be able to switch between different temperature setpoints, to deliver different nicotine strengths (with a higher temperature setpoint delivering more nicotine).

[0265] The system also limits expected temperature setpoint in an acceptable range:

[0266] • Below 280° C: To prevent burning.

[0267] • Above 200 °C : To ensure that liquid is vapourised. Note also that there is no need for any dry vape detection in this system: even in the dry vape condition, the control loops operate in exactly the same way as they do whilst liquid is present at the heating element, i.e. to simply maintain the heating element at the setpoint temperature (done for each 16ms cycle rate) and the power at the setpoint power (done for each puff): there is no temperature spike (often well in excess of 400°C) that occurs in a dry vape condition with a conventional system that simply delivers a constant power amount, irrespective of how hot the atomiser is getting.

[0268] In the description above, we describe the closed loop power control algorithm using the average power per puff. Finer granularity and control can be possible if the power over a smaller amount of time, less than a single puff, or other quantity (e.g. a fixed number of timeslots or complete 16ms cycles) is used in the closed loop power control algorithm.

[0269] The dual loop control system is shown in Figure 8A and Figure 8B.

[0270] Previously, we have described and defined a dual loop control system; note that control loops with two, three or more control loops are within the scope of this definition. We have also focussed on nicotine. We have also used the term 'liquid': this term includes liquids such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine based liquids, as well as oils (often used for cannabisbased vaping).

[0271] In one implementation, the system dynamically controls the thermal profile (e.g. a variable temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint) over the course of a single puff or inhalation (or 'hit'). The thermal profile can be controlled to optimise any one or more of the following: flavour and / or does and / or intensity and / or vapour density and / or plume size and / or overall experience, taking into account user preferences and / or liquid supplier preferences. This can be especially useful when vaping cannabis oils, where the thermal profile can be optimised for the specific blend of terpenes in the liquid and their different activation temperatures, or the user experience that is desired, such as relaxation, pain control, appetite control, anxiety, physical performance, mental performance, which may itself be realised by optimally heating the liquid in a way that optimises different terpenes, taking into account their specific activation temperatures. Similarly, the system can control the thermal profile (e.g. the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint) over the course of a session of puffs or inhalations; for example, the thermal profile could be managed to provide an initial high intensity (e.g. a higher temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint than a baseline), gradually reducing over the course of say ten puffs to the normal intensity, and then rising again for the final puff. Or the thermal profile (and hence intensity profile) could be set to start low, and then increase to a peak towards the middle of the session, and then decrease to the end of the session. Or the thermal profile could be set to alter in a way that ensures consistency of experience over the course of the session; for example, as the liquid heats up over the course of a session of rapid, intense inhalations, some liquids and / or atomiser designs may have significant thermal inertia, in which case it may be necessary or desirable to gradually lower the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint over the course of a session to ensure that there is no over-heating and instead a consistent level of intensity is enjoyed over the course of the entire session.

[0272] In addition, conventional vaping devices are often characterised by good flavour for the first ten or twenty puffs, rapidly diminishing in flavour for subsequent puffs; with the implementation described here, the device can provide consistent flavour over potentially thousands of puffs by automatically compensating for factors that would otherwise diminish flavour after the first ten or twenty puffs.

[0273] Also, conventional vaping devices are often characterised by very high concentrations of flavourings, which may have negative toxicology implications; this is sometimes done to overcompensate for the rapid degradation in the performance of the heating element, which can be associated with the rapid build-up of residue on the heating element because the heating element is getting too hot. With the implementation described here, the vaping device can provide consistently high quality flavour without the need to use the high concentrations of flavourings that are conventionally adopted.

[0274] Different users will find different experience profiles satisfying their needs; equally the same user might wish to alter the intensity profile for different sessions. This degree of control is especially useful when vaping cannabinoids, and whenever personalisation to a user's specific preferences is desirable. Further, the system can also control the thermal profile over the duration of a multi-week cessation program, gradually reducing the intensity of nicotine, CBD, THC etc (or other relevant parameter) to ease the transition away from dependency.

[0275] Because the present system is software implemented in the vaping device, it is readily possible to set and to alter the control scheme (e.g. the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint or any other parameters that affect the operation of the control loop or loops). Other variants include the following: the outer control loop can be configured to compensate for mechanical variation from pod to pod (or device to device) so that overall the devices or pods are more stable in mass production. A further refinement is to more accurately maintain a set power by compensating for battery variation or mechanical differences from device to device, thereby improving the consistency of vapour production and to reduce puff to puff variation.

[0276] Setting the control scheme for specific types of liquids can be done by writing the control scheme to a chip or memory that could be (i) on the device, or (ii) on a pre-filled pod or tip that contains the liquid and is designed to fit on the end of a PV or (iii) a pre-filled liquid bottle that is used to automatically replenish the liquid in a pod or tip at the end of a PV. Alteration can be done on the vaping device itself by the end-user, where the device includes some sort of user interface, or via a connected smartphone app.

[0277] Figure 9 shows how the dual loop control system performs in practice. The darker line 90 shows the temperature of a heating element (temperature is on the y-axis) over a single puff or inhalation using a conventional control scheme that delivers constant power (6.4W) to the heating element. During the course of the puff, the temperature of the heating element rises rapidly at first, and continues to rise for the duration of the inhalation, rising above a 300C level that is above the normal safety threshold. The heating element temperature is not only not constant, but varies from puff to puff (not shown). The lighter line 91 shows the temperature of the heating element when implementing one of the dual loop temperature control approaches described above: as is clear, the temperature of the heating element rises rapidly to the target temperature, in this case 220C, and is kept constant at that temperature throughout the puff. At no time does the temperature rise to a level at which safety might be compromised. We can summarise the performance advantages of the dual loop temperature control approach compared to a conventional approach as follows:

[0278] • no burning of the heating element

[0279] • no carbonyls and no aldehydes in the vapour (or greatly reduced levels of carbonyls and aldehydes);

[0280] • no metals in the vapour

[0281] • better vapour output (e.g. higher nicotine content)

[0282] • better consistency per puff (e.g. consistent user experience per puff)

[0283] • works on any length of puff and dynamically adapts to the user's requirements or profile over a single puff and / or a session of puffs.

[0284] • works with low cost stainless steel acid-etched atomisers, with cotton wicks or foam wicks.

[0285] • works across a broad range of other materials too - wherever there is a sufficient temperature coefficient of resistivity. Materials include: SS 304, SS 316, S 316L, SS 321, SS 430, SS904L, gold, silver, copper, titanium, tungsten, nickel Ni200, NiFe 30, Invar 36, Nickel DH, Nifethal 70, Nifethal 50, Zirconium. Materials may also extend to graphene and other carbon-based materials.

[0286] • software implemented: low cost to implement, fast to modify.

[0287] • most vaporisers can implement the software at no additional material cost.

[0288] • can be implemented in a typical pod-based vaping device, e.g. where the pods are supplied to the end-user pre-filled with liquid and the vaping device battery is a rechargeable battery; the user replaces the pods when empty with a fresh pod, factory filled with liquid, and regularly recharges the battery. With the temperature control system described above, the lifetime of the heating element in a typical pod can be extended from just a few hundred puffs to many thousands of puffs, in turn enabling those pods to be re-filled many times using the automatic liquid re-filling system described in PCT / GB2019 / 052922.

[0289] • can also be implemented in a low-cost, single use, 1 -piece disposable device, enhancing the safety of those devices and also increasing the lifetime of the heating elements used in those devices.

[0290] • can also be implemented in 1 -piece hybrid vaping devices and replaceable pod based vaping devices that can be re-filled and re-used many times (see Section B below), greatly reducing the environmental harms caused. • enables a user to select the vapour output (eco, low, medium, high etc)

[0291] • enables the device to automatically implement different vapour output profiles (e.g. high for the initial puff, high for the 10th puff etc.)

[0292] • enables the device to automatically optimise heating element temperature for the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience.

[0293] • enables the device to provide consistent, high quality flavour over thousands of puffs.

[0294] • enables the device to provide consistent, high quality flavour over thousands of puffs without the need for excessively high concentrations of flavourings.

[0295] • enables the device to automatically increase or alter the temperature of the heating element after a set number of inhalations or a set time to provide a signal to the user to indicate nicotine consumption, e.g. to nudge the user to stopping use of the device with a 'reward' inhalation.

[0296] • readily tuned or adjusted for CBD, THC and specific cannabinoids (e.g. tuning the temperature of the heating element to drive evaporation of different terpenes for different purposes; the temperature could be fixed or vary at different moments during a puff or a sequence of puffs)

[0297] Section A, Part III: Summary of the Key Features of Dual Loop and Closed Loop Temperature Control

[0298] Implementations of the invention use one or more of the following Key Features. Note that any one or more Key Features can be combined with one another when they are compatible and that any one or more optional features can be combined with any one or more other compatible optional features another and with any one or more Key Features, when compatible.

[0299] We organise these Key Features into two groupings: first, A. Dual Loop Key Features, and then secondly B. Closed Loop Temperature Control Algorithm Key Features.

[0300] In summary:

[0301] A. Dual Loop Key Features Key Feature 1 : Temp control is handled by the inner control loop and power control is handled by the outer control loop.

[0302] Key Feature 2: Inner and outer dual loop control system

[0303] Key Feature 3: Independent dual loop control system

[0304] Key Feature 4: Dual loop control system, with error correction

[0305] Key Feature 5: Dual loop control system, with liquid temperature rise compensation.

[0306] Key Feature 6: Disposable PV with dual loop control

[0307] Key Feature 7: Re-fillable PV with dual loop control

[0308] Key Feature 8: Replaceable pod PV with dual loop control

[0309] Key Feature 9: Control system implementing dual loop control.

[0310] Key Feature 10: Method of enhancing performance of a vaping device using dual loop control.

[0311] B. Closed Loop Temperature Control Algorithm Key Features

[0312] Key Feature 11 : PV automatically measures the resistance of the heating element in that PV.

[0313] Key Feature 12: PV automatically measures the ambient temperature.

[0314] Key Feature 13: PV automatically normalises resistance data to be consistent across different heating elements.

[0315] Key Feature 14: PV automatically infers the resistance value of the heating element at 0°C.

[0316] Key Feature 15: The closed loop temperature control algorithm compensates for the resistance v temperature variability of different heating elements.

[0317] We will look now in detail at each of these Key Features. Note that any of these Key Features can be combined with any one or more, other compatible Key Features.

[0318] A. Dual Loop Key Features

[0319] Key Feature 1: Inner and outer dual loop control system

[0320] The dual loop control system uses, as one loop, a closed loop temperature control algorithm (which uses the measured / inferred heating element temperature and also the setpoint temperature as control inputs), and also uses a second control loop that does not use temperature as a control input.

[0321] We can generalise to:

[0322] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, taking as an input a parameter other than temperature, and operating as a second control loop; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0323] Optional features

[0324] • the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an inner loop and the closed loop control algorithm is the outer loop.

[0325] • the closed loop control algorithm is an outer loop and the closed loop power control algorithm is the inner loop.

[0326] Key Feature 2: Temp control is handled by the inner control loop and power control is handled by a second control loop.

[0327] The second control loop can use power as a control input (e.g. using measured / inferred power and a power setpoint as the control inputs).

[0328] We can generalise to: A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as a second control loop; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0329] Optional features

[0330] • the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an inner loop and the closed loop power control algorithm is the outer loop.

[0331] • the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an outer loop and the closed loop power control algorithm is the inner loop.

[0332] Key Feature 3: Independent dual loop control system

[0333] The second control loop (e.g., but not limited to, a power control loop) can be independent of the closed loop temperature control and provide an output or signal that is used by the closed loop temperature control loop.

[0334] We can generalise to:

[0335] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, that is configured to operate as an independent control loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm and to generate an output that is used by the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0336] Optional features

[0337] • the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an inner loop and the closed loop control algorithm is the outer loop.

[0338] Key Feature 4: Dual loop control system, with error correction

[0339] The closed loop temperature control algorithm may in practice not be sufficiently accurate or consistent, or deliver high enough levels of nicotine (or other substances); then, the second closed loop control algorithm can correct errors in the tracking of the setpoint temperature.

[0340] We can generalise to:

[0341] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to track the setpoint temperature of the heating element and the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct an error in the tracking of the setpoint temperature by the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed. Optional features

[0342] • the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an inner loop and the closed loop control algorithm is the outer loop.

[0343] Key Feature 5: Dual loop control system, with liquid temperature rise compensation

[0344] In Key Feature 4, we noted that the closed loop temperature control algorithm might in practice not be sufficiently accurate or consistent, or deliver high enough levels of nicotine (or other substances); this might occur where the rise in the temperature of stored atomisable liquid, in thermal contact with the heating element, is not sufficiently factored into the operation of the closed loop temperature control algorithm alone.

[0345] We can generalise to:

[0346] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct errors or inaccuracies in temperature tracking by the closed loop temperature control algorithm arising from a rise in the temperature of stored atomisable liquid, in thermal contact with the heating element; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0347] Optional features the closed loop temperature control algorithm is an inner loop and the closed loop control algorithm is the outer loop.

[0348] Key Feature 6: Disposable PV with dual loop control

[0349] One important PV form factor that can implement the invention is the disposable vaping device, such as the conventional disposable vaping device (conventionally sold pre-filed and not refillable or re-chargeable).

[0350] We can generalise to:

[0351] A disposable vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element in the device, the heating element being configured to generate inhalable vapor; the device further including a liquid reservoir that is (i) configured to provide atomisable liquid to the heating element and (ii) is not user-replaceable; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as the outer loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0352] Optional features

[0353] • the liquid reservoir is configured to be user re-fillable (e.g. includes a liquid refilling port).

[0354] • the disposable vaping device includes a battery configured to be user rechargeable (e.g. includes external electrical contacts that lead to the battery)

[0355] • the disposable vaping device includes a battery re-charger circuit.

[0356] • the liquid reservoir is configured to not be user re-fillable (e.g. includes no liquid re-filling port) • the disposable vaping device includes a battery configured to not be user rechargeable (e.g. includes no external electrical contacts that lead to the battery and no battery re-charger circuit)

[0357] Key Feature 7: Re-fillable PV with dual loop control

[0358] Another important PV form factor that can implement the invention is the automatically refillable vaping device.

[0359] We can generalise to:

[0360] A re-fillable vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element in the device, the atomising element being configured to generate inhalable vapor; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as the outer loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm' and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed; and in which the liquid reservoir is refillable with liquid from an additional liquid tank, bottle or re-fl 11 container.

[0361] Key Feature 8: Replaceable tip PV with dual loop control

[0362] Another important PV form factor that can implement the invention is a PV with a user replaceable, pre-filled tip or pod.

[0363] We can generalise to: A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element in the device, the atomising element being configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as the outer loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable but not user re-fillable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0364] Key Feature 9: Control system implementing dual loop control

[0365] Another aspect is the control system.

[0366] We can generalise to:

[0367] A control system for a vaping device, the control system comprising a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element in the device, the heating element being configured to generate inhalable vapor; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as the outer loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0368] Key Feature 10: Method of enhancing performance of a vaping device using dual loop control A final aspect is a method of enhancing the performance of a vaping device.

[0369] We can generalise to:

[0370] A method of enhancing the performance of a vaping device, the method comprising the steps of

[0371] (a) using a microcontroller or chip, in the device, programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element in the device, the heating element being configured to generate inhalable vapor; the device including a liquid reservoir that is configured to provide atomisable liquid to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as the outer loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0372] Optional features for Key Feature 10. Note that any of these optional features can also be combined with any one or more, other compatible optional features.

[0373] • enhancing performance includes enhancing the number of puffs the heating element can provide, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0374] • enhancing performance includes enhancing the maintenance of the real-time temperature to the setpoint temperature, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0375] • enhancing performance includes improving the amount of nicotine or other substance per puff, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0376] • enhancing performance includes improving the stability or consistency of the level of nicotine or other substance per puff, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method. • enhancing performance includes eliminating carbonyls and metals for at least 5 thousand 1 second puffs.

[0377] • enhancing performance includes eliminating any burning taste from the inhaled vapour, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0378] • enhancing performance includes reducing the power consumption and hence extending the amount of use a charged battery can provide, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0379] • enhancing performance includes reducing the power consumption and hence enabling a smaller batter to be used, compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0380] • enhancing performance includes maintaining the flavour of the vapour for more puffs compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0381] • enhancing performance includes generating flavour for the vapour with a lower concentration of flavourings compared with a vaping device that does not implement the method.

[0382] Optional features for any one or more Dual Loop Key Features (Key Features 1 -10 above), include the following. Note that any of these optional features can also be combined with any one or more, other compatible optional features.

[0383] • the outer control loop automatically regulates to a power setpoint.

[0384] • the power setpoint is an average power per puff or other parameter, such as a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

[0385] • the system measures the average power in a puff or other parameter, and if the average is below the power setpoint, then the system automatically increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, the closed loop temperature control algorithm, for the next puff or other quantity.

[0386] • during this next puff or other parameter, the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase the duty cycle and the system again measures the average power in this next puff or other parameter and if the average power is below the power setpoint, then the system increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter; and if the average power is above the power setpoint, then the system decreases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter.

[0387] • the system calculates the average power by using the instantaneous V and I generated by a system MCU for one or more timeslots during which power is delivered;

[0388] • the system calculates instantaneous power (V x I) a number of times for a defined period, such as for an entire single puff, or some other parameter, e.g. a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

[0389] • if the actual average power used is less over a single puff, or other parameter, by an amount, referred to as the power ‘error’, then the system increases the temperature setpoint, in the inner temperature control loop, by a pre-set factor, Kp.

[0390] • The size of this Kpfactor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

[0391] • Kp, is 5

[0392] • Kp, is between 2 and 10

[0393] • The system is configured to limit expected temperature setpoint in an acceptable range: o Below 280°C : Prevent burning. o Above 200 / 220°C: To ensure liquid is vapourised.

[0394] The heating element

[0395] • the heating element is a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity.

[0396] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer.

[0397] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a porous substance, such as a ceramic or foam.

[0398] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh.

[0399] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

[0400] Closed loop temperature control

[0401] • the setpoint / target temperature and the current or real-time temperature are used as inputs to a PID controller, where the PID controller alters the PWM duty cycle of the power delivered to the atomising element so that the real-time temperature of the atomising element automatically tracks the setpoint temperature. • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable.

[0402] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable and / or factory configurable to be appropriate for different types of atomisable liquids, such as a lower temperature for CBD and THC and a higher temperature for nicotine.

[0403] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable to control the strength or level of the substance being vaped, e.g. nicotine or CBD.

[0404] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable to control the density or extent of the vapor cloud generated.

[0405] • the system has no dry vape detection process - e.g. no need to measure or infer how much liquid is left in the device.

[0406] • the system has no process for determining the liquid level of the liquid feeding the atomising element after normal vaping operations (only the initial liquid level is measured- i.e. when in the re-filling dock or device - and that measures how full the liquid reservoir in the vape is when it has just been filled, and from this level, determines the number of vape seconds the device can activate for; hence, at no time does the device need to determine how much liquid is left remaining after normal vaping operations).

[0407] Form factor

[0408] • the vaping system is a re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device, one example of which is described in Section B (e.g. the refillable tube or bar format devices or the refillable box or bottle format device)

[0409] • the vaping system includes a user-replaceable tip or pod, which is re-fillable.

[0410] • the vaping system is an automatically re-fillable vaping device.

[0411] • the vaping system is a non-re-fillable device.

[0412] • the vaping system includes a user-replaceable tip or pod, which is not re-fillable

[0413] • the vaping system is a single use, 1 -piece not re-fillable, disposable device

[0414] Advantages

[0415] • no burning; no carbonyls and no aldehydes; or greatly reduced levels of carbonyls and aldehydes

[0416] • better vapour output (e.g. higher nicotine content)

[0417] • better consistency per puff (e.g. consistent user experience per puff) • works on any length of puff and dynamically adapts to the user's requirements or profile over a single puff and / or a session of puffs.

[0418] • works with low cost stainless steel acid-etched atomisers, with cotton wicks or foam wicks.

[0419] • works across a broad range of other materials too - wherever we have a sufficient temperature coefficient of resistivity. Materials include: SS 304, SS 316, S 316L, SS 321, SS 430, SS904L, gold, silver, copper, titanium, tungsten, nickel Ni200, NiFe 30, Invar 36, Nickel DH, Nifethal 70, Nifethal 50, Zirconium. Materials may also extend to graphene and other carbon-based materials.

[0420] • software implemented: low cost to implement, fast to modify.

[0421] • most vaporisers can implement the software at no additional material cost.

[0422] • can be implemented in replaceable pod-based vaping devices (e.g. see Figures 35 - 43).

[0423] • can be implemented in a typical pod-based vaping device, e.g. where the pods are supplied to the end-user pre-filled with liquid and the vaping device battery is a rechargeable battery; the user replaces the pods when empty with a fresh pod, factory filled with liquid, and regularly recharges the battery. With the temperature control system described above, the lifetime of the heating element in a typical pod can be extended from just a few hundred puffs to many thousands of puffs, in turn enabling those pods to be re-filled many times using the automatic liquid re-filling system described in PCT / GB2019 / 052922.

[0424] • can also be implemented in a low-cost, single use, 1 -piece disposable device, enhancing the safety of those devices and also increasing the lifetime of the heating elements used in those devices.

[0425] • can also be implemented in 1 -piece vaping devices that are re-filled and re-used many times (see for example the Section B implementations), greatly reducing the environmental harms caused.

[0426] • enables a user to select the vapour output (eco, low, medium, high etc)

[0427] • enables the device to automatically implement different vapour output profiles (e.g. high for the initial puff, high for the 10th puff etc.)

[0428] • enables the device to automatically optimise heating element temperature for the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience. • enables the device to provide consistent, high quality flavour over potentially hundreds of puffs.

[0429] • enables the device to provide consistent, high quality flavour without the need for excessively high concentrations of flavourings.

[0430] • enables the device to automatically increase or alter the temperature of the heating element after a set number of inhalations or a set time to provide a signal to the user to indicate nicotine consumption, e.g. to nudge the user to stopping use of the device with a 'reward' inhalation

[0431] • readily tuned or adjusted for CBD, THC and specific cannabinoids (e.g. tuning the temperature of the heating element to drive evaporation of different terpenes for different purposes; the temperature could be fixed or vary at different moments during a puff or a sequence of puffs)

[0432] • enables the device to provide consistent, high quality flavour without the need for excessively high concentrations of flavourings.

[0433] • enables the device to automatically increase or alter the temperature of the heating element after a set number of inhalations or a set time to provide a signal to the user to indicate nicotine consumption, e.g. to nudge the user to stopping use of the device with a final 'reward' inhalation.

[0434] • readily tuned or adjusted for CBD, THC and specific cannabinoids (e.g. tuning the temperature of the heating element to drive evaporation of different terpenes for different purposes; the temperature could be fixed or vary at different moments during a puff or a sequence of puffs)

[0435] B. Closed Loop Temperature Control Algorithm Key Features

[0436] Note that these Key Features are generally also used in combination with any one or more of the Dual Loop Key Features and Optional Features described above, but do not have to be, and can be used in single closed loop control systems too. Note that any of these Key Features can be combined with any one or more, other compatible Key Features.

[0437] Key Feature 11: PV automatically measures the resistance of the heating element in that

[0438] PV A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; in which the device automatically measures the resistance of the heating element in or used by that device and the closed loop temperature control algorithm uses that resistance value; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed.

[0439] Optional features:

[0440] • system automatically measures the resistance of the heating element when the pod that includes the heating element is attached to the body of the vaping device.

[0441] Key Feature 12: PV automatically measures the ambient temperature

[0442] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed; and in which the device automatically measures, or uses a value for, ambient temperature when measuring the resistance of the heating element in the pod in order to create a datapoint to establish the resistance v temperature line or curve for that specific heating element. Key Feature 13: PV automatically normalises resistance data to be consistent across different heating elements.

[0443] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; and the device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed; and in which the device automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for a second temperature, and uses that second resistance value to normalise the operation of closed loop temperature control algorithm so that the inputs to a PID controller are consistent across different heating elements with different resistance v temperature behaviours;

[0444] Optional features:

[0445] • the second temperature is 0°C.

[0446] Key Feature 14: PV automatically infers the resistance value of the heating element at 0°C

[0447] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; and the device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed; and in which the device automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for 0°C;

[0448] Key Feature 15: The closed loop temperature control algorithm compensates for the resistance v temperature variability of different heating elements.

[0449] A vaping device including a microcontroller or chip programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to a heating element configured to generate inhalable vapor; and the vaping device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a part of the pod, such as the outer casing of the pod, is configured to be positioned at least in part inside a body of the vaping device, keeping the mouthpiece exposed; and in which the algorithm is configured to compensate for the inherent variability in the resistance v temperature response of different heating elements.

[0450] Optional features for all Closed Loop Temperature Control Algorithm Key Features 11 - 15 include any one or more of the following. Note that any of these optional features can be combined with any one or more, other compatible optional features.

[0451] The heating element

[0452] • the heating element is a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity.

[0453] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer.

[0454] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a porous substance, such as a ceramic.

[0455] • the heating element includes a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh. the heating element includes a resistance heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

[0456] Closed loop temperature control

[0457] • the setpoint / target temperature and the current or real-time temperature are used as inputs to a PID controller, where the PID controller alters the PWM duty cycle of the power delivered to the atomising element so that the real-time temperature of the atomising element automatically tracks the setpoint temperature.

[0458] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable.

[0459] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable and / or factory configurable to be appropriate for different types of atomisable liquids, such as a lower temperature for CBD and THC and a higher temperature for nicotine.

[0460] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable to control the strength or level of the substance being vaped, e.g. nicotine or CBD.

[0461] • the setpoint / target temperature is user configurable to control the density or extent of the vapor cloud generated.

[0462] • The system has no dry vape detection process.

[0463] • The system has no process for determining the remaining liquid level of the liquid feeding the atomising element during normal use.

[0464] Dual Loop control

[0465] • the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as a second control loop.

[0466] • the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, taking as an input a parameter other than temperature, and operating as a second control loop.

[0467] • the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, that is configured to operate as an independent control loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm and to generate an input to the closed loop temperature control algorithm. • the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to track the setpoint temperature of the heating element and the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct an error in the tracking of the setpoint temperature by the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

[0468] • the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct errors or inaccuracies in temperature tracking by the closed loop temperature control algorithm arising from a rise in the temperature of stored atomisable liquid, in thermal contact with the atomising element.

[0469] Form factor

[0470] • the vaping system includes a user-replaceable tip or pod.

[0471] • the pod is re-fillable

[0472] • the pod is not re-fillable

[0473] • the vaping system is the re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device described in Section B (i.e. the tube or bar format device and the box or bottle format device)

[0474] • the vaping system is an automatically re-fillable vaping device.

[0475] Section B: Next Generation Vaping Device with User-Replaceable Pod

[0476] Disposable vaping devices are designed not to permit the liquid reservoir to be replaced with a new, full reservoir; instead, once the liquid in the reservoir is all used up, then the entire device is thrown away. Unlike conventional pre-filled tip or pod based systems, where the user replaces a pre-filled tip with a fresh tip once the liquid in the tip is consumed, with disposable devices, there is no dis-assembly of the device at all or re-charging of the battery in the device; the entire device is thrown away once the liquid is consumed or the battery runs flat.

[0477] Disposable vaping devices are very convenient for users, since there is no dis-assembly or recharging, and they are hence very simple to understand and use. But they are terrible for the environment, and are very wasteful: the entire lithium ion battery is charged once by the manufacturer, and then the entire unit is thrown away once all the liquid is used up or the battery runs out (typically after 150 - 300 puffs), even though the battery could be re-charged and re-used multiple times if a simple and virtually zero-cost battery re-charger circuit is added.

[0478] Because they are designed to be cheap, throw-away items, the quality of the heating element and control circuitry may be poor, potentially leading to harmful emissions.

[0479] In this Section B, we describe a hybrid vaping device - i.e. a vaping device that looks externally like a disposable vaping device but that in fact has a mouthpiece, heating element and liquid reservoir in a pod that is re-fillable and is also user-replaceable; the pod can be fully re-filled multiple times (e.g. fifteen times - equivalent to re-filling and using 30mL of liquid, equivalent to 10,000 1 second inhalations) before it reaches the end of its useable life. A pod only needs replacing once this end-of-life has been reached.

[0480] In essence, the vaping device looks like a conventional disposable vaping device; it has a similar retail price point to a conventional disposable vaping device; it can be sold with an empty pod or a pre-filled pod like a conventional disposable vaping device. It hence has all the key attributes that make conventional disposable vaping devices so appealing to consumers.

[0481] But, unlike a conventional disposable vaping device, it is intrinsically re-fillable and rechargeable to a consumer who buys and uses an optional, low-cost re-fill and re-charge device. We describe this simple optional accessory dock that can both re-fill and re-charge the device; the user simply has to dock the vaping device into a port in the dock to both re-fill and also recharge the device. Automatic re-filling and re-charging is hence easy, mess-free and simple.

[0482] Note that the user-replaceable pods are designed to be automatically filled with liquid by the end-user; they can also be automatically filled (for the first time) with liquid at a liquid filling facility - i.e. the constructional features of the pods that enable rapid, automatic re-filling by the end-user also enable rapid, initial filling, for example at a liquid filing facility, or a retail store or a web fulfilment factory. This in turn means that the vaping device can be shipped from the factory where it is manufactured empty of liquid (e.g. without a pod at all, or with an empty pod): that in turn simplifies manufacturing as only a single device needs to be made (as opposed to potentially dozens of different SKUs, each with a different liquid flavour and nicotine strengths) and regulatory compliance. Undertaking the initial filling with liquid outside of the vaping device manufacturing facility and instead in the country where the pods will be sold to end-users also means that the liquid will be fresher and hence safer, since the liquid has not been in contact with materials in the vaping device for the many weeks of sea shipping and which could potentially interact with the liquid. Because the liquid has not been stored in the vaping device for the many weeks typically required for shipment by sea from China, the pods will have a greater shelf-life. Further, the liquids that are selected for use in the pods can be chosen to appeal to current and also local, country (or city / regional) tastes.

[0483] It also means that the liquid pod filling in say country A can be done to comply with local regulations applicable to country A: for example a user-replaceable pod with an empty liquid reservoir with capacity of say 5mL can be manufactured in say China and exported globally. If exported to the UK and EU, local liquid filling facilities or retail stores can then fill the pods with the maximum allowed 2mL of liquid and then sell that pre-filled pods to end-users. But if exported to the US, where the 2mL maximum does not apply, local, US liquid filling facilities or US retail stores can then fill the pods with the maximum 5mL of liquid. In addition, retail stores can sell the user-replaceable pods empty to enable end-users to select their preferred liquid flavour and nicotine strength.

[0484] This approach is especially useful where the user-replaceable pods have a foam-based liquid reservoir, because automated liquid filing into a foam-based liquid reservoir has many advantages (including speed and low leakage risk). Foam-based user-replaceable pods need not even be user re-fillable; the advantages outlined above apply even for single-use foambased pods.

[0485] The hybrid vaping device may also use the heating element temperature control system described earlier (Section A), to maximise the lifetime of the heating element in the user- replaceable pod, and optimise the safety and quality of its vapour. This 'next generation' hybrid vaping device can then be safely used for typically at least 20X the number of times a conventional disposable can be used for (e.g. 10000 puffs compared to a typical 500 puffs).

[0486] It may also implement the dynamic charging system describing in Section C, and use the data connectivity system described in Section D, and include polypropylene parts that are recyclable the recycling using the scheme described in Section E.

[0487] In a conventional pod based vaping system, the user has to take a used pod off the vaping device body and open a pack of new pods and then replace the used pod with a new pod whenever the pod runs out of liquid (typically after 200 puffs): this is somewhat inconvenient for users accustomed to the extreme convenience of the conventional disposable vaping device. Since each pod will typically have no more than 2mL of liquid, (to comply with the EU's TPD regulation) and a typical heavy user (for example, taking 200 puffs a day - roughly the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day in terms of the number of puffs) can consume this amount of liquid in a day, replacing pods is then done on a daily basis. With the implementation we will describe, that same user can fully re-fill (e.g. with a fresh 2mL of liquid) each evening and needs a new lOmL liquid re-fill bottle once every five days; the vaping device itself does not need to be disassembled every five days - instead, a new lOmL liquid bottle is placed into the re-filling dock once every five days. If each lOmL liquid bottle enables say 1000 puffs, then the user can keep re-filling the pod they are using with for example liquid from 10 lOmL bottles, to give 10,000 puffs. Only after 10,000 puffs does the user have to slide out the old pod (the combined mouthpiece, heater and approximately 2mL foam reservoir from the body of the device) and slide in a new combined pod or unit; this is not an everyday operation, but done very infrequently, such as once a month. So we can contrast replacement of a conventional 2mL pod, which is done on a daily or near daily basis (e.g. every few days) for a typical user, with pod replacements in this implementation, which is not everyday at all, but typically monthly or even more infrequently. The environmental benefits are very significant. Overall, this is also far more convenient for the user. Because the user has to go through the deliberate act of re-filling the pod once 2mL of liquid is consumed (e.g. by docking the device or a pod into the re-filling desktop dock), this acts as a natural interruption to vaping, and prevents the user from grazing all day on a vape device, and consuming excessive amounts of nicotine: one danger with hybrid vaping devices with an integral lOmL liquid reservoir, is that the user can end up grazing all day on the device and consume very high quantities of liquid; by requiring the user to stop and go through the pod re-filling process after consuming 2mL of liquid, even though that process is fast and simple, nevertheless acts a break against excessive consumption.

[0488] In this Section B, we describe a low-cost, simple to use vaping device that can, without any need to dis-assemble it, be simply docked with a small and simple home desktop or retail countertop dock or unit, which then automatically re-fills the liquid reservoir in the pod with liquid and also re-charges the rechargeable lithium ion battery in the vaping device.

[0489] In one implementation, the dock is supplied with liquid from a lOmL (or larger, where local regulations permit it) bottle of conventional size and shape that is inserted into the dock. A single lOmL bottle is then the only consumable that is used to deliver the same amount of liquid as five complete disposable vaping devices (which typically have 2mL of liquid), so the saving in items otherwise going to landfill is considerable. The single lOmL bottle may have the same diameter and height as the industry standard lOmL re-fill bottle used to manually refill vaping devices with liquid. It can hence be made and filled on a conventional liquid filling production line without significant changes to the pucks used to hold and move the bottle through the filling line. The external appearance of the bottle may however be different from the industry standard lOmL re-fill bottle, with a more premium finish and appearance. Further, the cap structure and sealing structures in the bottle are different from an industry standard lOmL refill bottle, as will be explained below.

[0490] In one implementation, using the dual loop temperature system described in Section A, we have extended the life (and enhanced the safety) of a single low cost heating element to 10,000 1 second puffs: at least fifteen complete disposable vaping devices would normally be used (and thrown away) to deliver that number of puffs, but that is now possible with just a single pod in the hybrid vaping device and three or so lOmL bottles of liquid. Figure 10A shows the relatively minor changes we make to a typical bar or tube format disposable vaping device to turn it into a hybrid vaping device, capable of being re-filled and re-charged by the user. In this variant, we place the charging contacts 101 at the end of the device that is opposite to the user-replaceable pod; two concentric circular contacts 101 are used. The hybrid vaping device uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery in the body 102 and in addition to external contacts, a very low cost power management chip or circuit (not shown) is added to control the charging process. Figure 10B shows that at the user-replaceable tip or pod 103, we include a small silicone filling valve 104 through which a small needle or other liquid filing device (not shown) in the re-filling device can pass; the liquid reservoir 105 is then fed directly by the small needle. In some designs of pod, the liquid reservoir 105 is in the tip 103 itself and centrally positioned in the pod, with the vapour passing up channels 106 that can be on either side of the central liquid reservoir; this is the arrangement shown in Figure 10B.

[0491] But other designs of pod and vapour channel are possible; for example, some disposable vaping devices use a liquid soaked sponge or foam in the part of the body 102 near the pod; then, we use a small silicone channel or valve in the side-wall of the body, typically at the base of the pod and that leads directly to the sponge or foam; injecting liquid through that channel or valve directly into the sponge or foam enables the liquid in the sponge or foam to be replenished with minimal risk of dripping, since the sponge or foam retains the liquid (typically through capillary action); this variant is shown in Figure 20. The tip or pod 103 is both refillable and also user- replaceable; e.g. it can be slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body and replaced with a new tip or pod 103.

[0492] It is also possible for the pod or tip 103 to be conventional and hence non-refillable but replaceable - e.g. it can be slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body, but is not refillable at all. It is then simply replaced with a fresh pre-filled tip 103 once it has been used up. This variant requires minimal changes to the vaping device - simply providing the closed loop temperature control software (as defined in the first aspect of the invention) in the low cost power management chip or circuit. There is no need for the small silicone filling valve 104 in the tip. This variant enhances the safety of the device, since the closed loop temperature control software eliminates carbonyls and metals from the inhaled vapour. But it lacks the sustainability advantages of the refillable pod variant. Figure 11 shows the automatic liquid re-filling and re-charging device or dock 110 for the hybrid vaping device. This is a small (less than 75mm in length) dock that has a flat base and can sit stably on a desktop; it is designed for home-based re-filling and re-charging of the vaping device. The re-filling and re-charging may also be a fully portable unit (not shown, but described in for example PCT / GB2015 / 050573, PCT / GB2016 / 052700, and PCT / GB2019 / 052922, the contents of which have been incorporated by reference). The refilling device has a first aperture 111 into which a lOmL liquid refill container 112 has been inserted. Liquid refill container 112 can be made of polypropylene or, where a more premium bottle is preferred, made of glass or metal or other premium materials. A tube 113 runs from the first aperture to a small electric peristaltic pump 114, (powered by a USB-C cable connection plugged into mains power or a USB-C power source, such as a laptop) that connects to a filling nozzle 115 in a second port 116, into which a user docks the vaping device when it is to be re-filled; the filling nozzle is about 24mm in length. The second port 116 includes capacitive sensing plates 118 that measure the change in capacitance of the liquid reservoir of the inserted vaping device as liquid is pumped into it via the filling nozzle 115 by the peristaltic pump 114. Capacitive sensing plates 118 are each separated by an insulating layer from a backing plate that is connected to ground (via the USB connection that powers the dock); the backing plates shield the capacitive sensing plates 118 from being influenced by obj ects outside of the second port; without these grounded, shielding plates, hands placed close to the dock can influence the capacitance reading.

[0493] Liquid level sensing electronics in the re-filling device 110 interpret the capacitance signals from capacitance sensor plates 118 and turns the pump off when the desired fill level has been reached. This fill level may be fixed (e.g. the pump 114 turns off when the fill level in the vaping device reaches say 1.5mL). Re-filling 1.5mL takes typically less than 10 seconds, and is very convenient for users. As noted earlier, there is no need to take the tip off the body or dis-assemble the vaping device in any way. The filling device also includes a third port for recharging the vaping device; this includes electrical contact pins 117 that engage with the circular contacts 101 on the vaping device. It is also possible to combine the re-fill and the recharge functions into a single port as will be explained later (see Figures 17 - 22).

[0494] We will now look at the use and operation of the system from the perspective of the user. Figure 12A and 12B show how the user inserts a lOmL refill bottle with the re-filling dock. As shown in Figure 12A, the lOmL refill bottle 120 is supplied with a small, removable sticker 121. The user peels this off, exposing a small air hole (not shown) in the wall of the bottle 120. The air hole allows air to enter the bottle as liquid is pumped out of the bottle during automatic re-filling. The re-filling device includes a first port 122 into which the bottle 120 is screwed or pushed. The lid or cap of the bottle includes a small opening that sits over a septa seal fixed in the neck of the bottle; the bottle is sold with the lid or cap fixed firmly on the neck with a security feature that prevents the lid or cap being removed in normal use. A needle in the first port 122 penetrates through a single slit in a septa seal in the neck of the bottle 120 as the bottle 120 is pushed or screwed down, as shown in Figure 12B, with the needle passing through the opening in the lid or cap. The re-filling dock also includes a second port 123 into which a vaping device is inserted for automatic re-filling, and a third port 124 into which a vaping device is inserted for automatic re-charging.

[0495] As shown in Figure 13A, the refill device includes a second port 130 into which a vaping device 131 is inserted for automatic re-filling. When the vaping device is inserted tip down into port 130, the liquid reservoir capacitance is detected using the liquid level sensing subsystem, and that triggers the automatic operation of the peristaltic pump if the system detects that the liquid level or amount in the liquid reservoir is below a threshold. In another variant, the automatic re-filling can be triggered or started by a user selecting a button or other control; in any event, re-filling stops automatically once the liquid level system detects that sufficient liquid has been pumped into the liquid reservoir in the vaping device; it is this automatic cessation of filing, rather than the commencement of filing, that makes this an 'automated' liquid re-filling system. In the implementation shown, the liquid fill level or amount is set at 1 ,5mL - if the detected level or amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir is less than 1 ,5mL, then the pump is activated; the pump stops once the 1.5mL level or amount is reached.

[0496] Figure 13A shows the refillable 'bar' or 'tube' format vaping device, shaped as an elongated tube. One approach is to provide a 2mL reservoir in the user-replaceable pod, and to set the fill level to approximately 1.5mL, as described above. Later in this description, we will describe the refillable box or bottle format vaping device (again with a user-replaceable pod); this may also have an internal liquid reservoir of 2mL in the user-replaceable pod and fill level of approximately 1 ,5mL. So each variant can have an internal liquid reservoir of 2mL and be fully re-filled with liquid from a lOmL liquid refill bottle that slots into the re-fill dock to a fill level set to be below the maximum capacity to reduce leakage risks. But larger internal liquid reservoirs in the pod itself are also possible - e.g. 5mL to lOmL; It is possible to only fill this larger reservoir with the amount of liquid that local regulations in the country of sale permit. So a single design of pod could have a 5mL internal reservoir, which is factory pre-filled with 2mL of liquid when configured for sale in regions (such as the UK and EU) for which the maximum permissible liquid amount in a disposable vaping device or a pre-filled pod or tip is 2mL at retail. But that same design of pod could instead be pre-filled at the factory with 5mL when configured for sale in regions that permit that larger amount at retail. Note that the factory referred to above is not necessarily the factory where the device is manufactured; it can be a liquid filling facility, e.g. in the country or region where the device is to be sold, with the advantages outlined above.

[0497] Another variant can see that same pod with a large internal liquid reservoir, - e.g. 5mL to lOmL, pre-filled at the factory with just 2mL of liquid when configured for sale in regions such as the UK and EU that limit pre-filled vaping devices to 2mL of liquid, but the end-user can then set their re-fill dock to re-fill the pod to the maximum, e.g. 4.5mL for a 5mL reservoir, since regulations in those regions limit the amount of liquid in an item at retail, but do not prevent an end-user personally re-filling the device with a greater amount of liquid. If this pod or device is to be sold in a region where there is no limit to the capacity of the internal reservoir, then it can be pre-filled at the factory to the maximum level - e.g. for a 5mL capacity reservoir, then it could be filled at the factory and also when re-filling using the dock to 4.5mL.

[0498] Similarly, the liquid capacity of the liquid refill bottle or container can be limited to lOmL, where local regulations stipulate that as the maximum retail capacity for a vape liquid bottle, but it could be far larger, such as 20mL or lOOmL: different jurisdictions impose different rules on how large a refill bottle can be; the system is designed to be fully flexible so that it can be readily used across multiple jurisdictions without requiring significant changes to its design or operation.

[0499] Returning now to the Figures, as shown in Figure 13B, a light ring 132 around the opening of second port 130 illuminates in white to show the user that re-filling is taking place. Small air bubbles can also in practice be seen passing up through the liquid in the liquid bottle 133 during filling. The colour of the light ring 132 changes to green when re-filling is complete (typically in under 10 seconds). As shown in Figure 14A and 14B, the re-filling device also includes a third port 141 into which the vaping device 140 is inserted for automatic re-charging; the vaping device 140 is placed upright (e.g. tip exposed) since the charging contacts in the vaping device 140 are on the base. Port 141 also includes a light ring 142 that illuminates in white during charging and changes to green once charging is complete.

[0500] Figure 15 shows the re-filling device simultaneously automatically e-filling one inverted vaping device 151 and also automatically re-charging another vaping device 152, which is upright and not inverted.

[0501] Figure 16A shows a variant where the vaping device includes both a re-fill aperture 161 and also re-charging contacts 162 at the pod or tip 163. This variant works with a re-filling device that includes a single socket in the dock for both re-filling and also re-charging. It is especially useful where the dynamic charging approach described in Section C is used. In this variant, the tip includes a small window 164 through which the liquid in the tip can be seen. A side view of this variant is shown in Figure 16B. The tip or pod 163 is user-replaceable; e.g. it can be slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body and replaced with a new tip or pod 163. Another variant is non-refillable and simple replaceable - e.g. slid off the top of the bar or tubeshaped body once its liquid (e.g. 2mL) is used up and replaced with another pre-filled non- refillable e.g. 2mL tip.

[0502] Figure 17 shows the re-filling device for this variant: the re-filling device 170 has a first port 171 into which a lOmL liquid bottle 172 has been inserted. The re-filling device 170 includes a second port 173 for both re-filling with liquid and also re-charging the vaping device 174. The re-filling device 170 includes a light ring 175 that illuminates to show the status of refilling and re-charging.

[0503] Figure 18 is a top down view of the re-filling device, showing the lOmL bottle 181, and the re-filling and recharging port 182, which includes a re-fill nozzle 183, electrical charging contacts 184 and capacitive sensor plates (not shown) for the liquid level sensing system and that line or surround part of the sides of the re-filling port 182.

[0504] Figure 19 shows the pod or tip 190 just above the combined re-filling and re-charging port 193. The tip 190 includes a window 191 into the interior of the tip that enables a user to view the liquid in the tip reservoir. A LED light in the tip 190 glows, illuminating window 191 when the device needs to be re-charged. Electrical charging contacts 192 are shown. Circuitry in the vaping device causes the LED light to flash, or change to a specific colour, when the vaping device has been re-filled to a safe maximum number of times; if the dual loop temperature control has been used in this vaping device, then typically twenty complete re-fills is safely possible and so the LED can, for example, be set to flash red once twenty re-fills have been completed. A simple counter in the vaping device counts each time a re-fill occurs and sends a signal once the safe maximum has been reached.

[0505] Figure 20 is a cross section through the user-replaceable pod of the vaping device shown in Figure 19. This tip sits over a body (not shown) that includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery and power management microcontroller and an air pressure sensor that detects inhalation. The tip includes the following: an annular open-foam liquid reservoir 200; this can be left unfilled at retail, or it can be pre-filled at a factory with liquid.

[0506] The foam reservoir 200 feeds liquid to mesh heater 201, via a cotton tab 202 that sits in the foam reservoir 200. The mesh heater 201 sits inside a cylindrical metal (or woven fabric) tube 203, itself mounted on a silicone base 204 that also serves to support and seal the foam liquid reservoir 200. An air passage 205 passes up through the silicone base 204, and the mesh heater 201 and to an opening in the tip. This structure differs from a conventional tip in that it includes two narrow pipes or channels 206A and 206B formed in a silicone cap 207; these pipes pass all the way (not shown) to the surface of the tip and enable a pair of fine filling needles (not shown), in the liquid re-filling device, to enter the narrow pipes or channels 206A and 206B (when the pod is inverted) and inject liquid via the pipes 206A and 206B directly into the cylindrical foam reservoir 200. The filling needles typically penetrate significantly (e.g. several mm) into the foam reservoir. By using two filling pipes, the foam reservoir fills more evenly and the liquid level sensing system in the filling device can hence measure the level of liquid in the tip more reliably. As the filling needles are withdrawn from the pipes or channels 206A and 206B, any excess liquid on the needles is removed by the silicone walls of the pipes or channels 206A and 206B and pipes or channels 206A and 206B seal closed to prevent any liquid leakage from the liquid reservoir 200. This structure differs from a conventional tip in that it also includes electrical charge contacts 208 for recharging the Li-ion battery. As noted earlier, the tip or pod is user-replaceable; e.g. it can be slid off the top of the bar or tube-shaped body and replaced with a new tip or pod. Figure 21A and 21B show how the status light ring 211 around the combined re-fill and recharge port 212 in the re-filling and recharging dock works. When the vaping device is first inserted into the port 212, the liquid re-filling device measures the liquid level in the vaping device; this typically takes no more than 3 seconds. Once that measurement is completed, and if re-filling is needed, then the re-filing device automatically starts to refill the vaping device from the refill bottle 213. The light ring 211 illuminates in flashing white to show that re-filling is occurring; it changes to a continuous band of white once re-filing is complete.

[0507] Figure 22 shows how the light ring 221 is segmented into four quadrants that progressively illuminate in red as re-charging takes place; to charge the internal rechargeable battery in the vaping device to 25% takes typically 8 minutes and so a total re-charge takes approximately 30 minutes; once this is completed, the entire light band turns green. In Figure 22, just one of these quarter segments 222 is shown illuminated.

[0508] Figure 23A - 23D show the operational sequence; as shown in Figure 23A, the user first inverts the liquid refill bottle 230 and then pushes it down into the refill bottle port 231 in the dock 232, as shown in Figure 23B. Then, as shown in Figure 23C, the user inverts the vaping device 233 and pushes it into the second port 234 in the dock; during filling and charging, as shown in Figure 23D, the bottle 230 and vaping device 233 are positioned, inverted, in the dock 232.

[0509] Figure 24 shows a retail or point of sale liquid re-filling and recharging unit 240. It is designed to be used in a club, bar or shop. The re-filling unit 240 has nine re-filling ports 241, each providing a different liquid flavour. Each re-filling port has the same components as the home dock described above - namely a re-fill nozzle, and capacitive liquid level sensing plates with grounded, shield plates, and a light ring. The unit takes much larger liquid bottles 242 than the home dock - typically 50 - lOOmL bottles. Small silicone or paper covers 243 are provided for a user to place over the tip for cleanliness. These disposable tip covers 243 are typically made of an absorbent material to absorb any e-liquid drips. A UV-C light could also be included in the point of sale unit to irradiate the tips to destroy any pathogens.

[0510] The unit also includes three re-charging ports 244; it is also possible use combined re-filling and re-charging ports. The re-filling unit 240 includes a payment card reader 245; the unit is activated by touching the payment card reader to pay for a re-fill . A user can move the vaping device between different re-filling ports to mix the flavours - e.g. place it in the 'Cherry' port 246 for a couple of seconds, and then into the Wild Berry port 247 to complete the re-filling.

[0511] The refill bottle or container

[0512] Figure 25A - 25D show the refill bottle or container. In Figure 25A, we see the bottle cap 250; this has a circular hole 251 in the centre of its top surface: as will be explained later, a needle or stem in the refill dock passes through this hole 251. The bottle has a main body 256 and a neck with threads or a bayonet fitting 254 and a set of flanges 255. A silicone (or other suitable material, like rubber) septa seal 253, with a single slit cut across a diameter, seals the neck of the bottle. The flexible seal 253 includes a single slit that is configured to be penetrated by a filling nozzle in the dock and to permit air to enter the bottle when the liquid is being withdrawn from the bottle. Seal 253 includes two layers; the upper layer (closest to hole 251) is made of a harder material than the lower layer; this structure provides for efficient sealing around the needle or stem in the dock, and fast re-sealing when the bottle is withdrawn from the dock, preventing leakage of liquid into the dock. The outer edge of the flexible septa seal sits on the top edge of the bottle neck so that it is rigidly supported and does not deform when the seal is penetrated by the filling nozzle in the re-filling device.

[0513] In Figure 25B and 25C, the internal structure of the cap 250 is visible; it includes stubs 257 that, when the cap 250 is screwed onto the bottle body 256 in the liquid filling factory, will rise up and over the flanges 255 in the bottle neck, enabling the cap to be screwed on tight; the design of the stubs prevents the cap being twisted off the bottle since they act as a one-way ratchet. The bottle cannot then be user re-filled; this is important to maintain the integrity of the system.

[0514] Figure 25D is a cross-sectional view of the bottle with the cap 250 fully screwed onto the body 256. The central hole 251 is shown, sitting directly over the septa seal 253, which is fitted securely with a compression friction fit into the opening of the bottle, with flanges resting on the top surface of the bottle opening. The cap threads 254 engage with matching threads in the bottle neck; locking stubs 257 in the cap are locked against flanges 255, preventing the cap from being twisted off and hence preventing user re-filling with unauthorised liquids. In use, the cap 250 is supplied with an adhesive label covering hole 251 to keep the septa seal 253 clean. When the bottle is to be placed in the refill dock, the user removes this label and inverts the bottle, which is then placed upside down and guided into position by aligning the slots 252 in the cap with matching ridges in the bottle port of the dock; the user presses the bottle down and this causes a needle or stem in the dock to puncture the pre-cut slit in the septa seal 253, enabling liquid in the bottle to be sucked from the bottle by the small electric peristaltic pump in the dock and pumped into the liquid reservoir in the vaping device. Slots 252 ensure that the bottle is rotationally fixed and stable when inserted into the dock, hence preventing damage that could occur to the liquid transport needle if the bottle were to be twisted when docked.

[0515] Note that the body 256 of the bottle is a standard blown polypropylene bottle, made and filled in the tens of millions; this ensures that the bottle is cheap to manufacture and can be handled by standard, high speed liquid filling equipment in the filling factory.

[0516] The Refillable Box or Bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device

[0517] We will now describe the second variant of vaping device, the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device. For background, we first describe a box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device (Figures 26A to Figure 34) in which there is no user-replaceable pod. In Figure 35 to Figure 50, we describe a box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device in which there is a user-replaceable pod; it is the device shown in Figure 35 to Figure 50 that implements the invention. But we start with the box or bottle-shaped hybrid vaping device in which there is no user-replaceable pod because it is constructionally simpler.

[0518] Figure 26A shows the general box or bottle-like shape of this vaping device; it includes a mouthpiece 260 formed into a top section 261, all made of injection moulded plastic. The mouthpiece 260 is press-fitted to a single injection moulded plastic (or plastic extrusion) body casing 262, which in turn is press-fitted to an injection moulded plastic base section 263. Figure 26B shows the main internal features, but before we describe that, we will turn first to Figure 27, which shows the internal structure of the body 262; body 262 includes a one-piece injection moulded (or extruded) plastic item that includes the external body wall 273, shaped with semi-circular ends and generally flat sides that taper inwards towards the base, to aid release or ejection from a low cost mould. The body 262 is also formed with a cylindrical chamber 271, which is a compartment for a hollow cylindrical foam liquid reservoir, with a heating element passing up through the central hollow. Note that the body, and in particular the cylindrical chamber 271, are made of plastic to not affect the operation of the capacitive- sensing liquid level sensing system in the dock; this uses capacitive measuring plates that partially surround the cylindrical chamber 271; as noted above, these plates are backed by grounded shielding plates (not shown) and hence detect the level of liquid present in the foam reservoir inside the chamber 271, with minimal interference from objects outside of the chamber.

[0519] The body 262 also includes a battery chamber 270, shown with a battery 264 in position, rechargeable lithium ion batters can sell in size, and the battery chamber 270 accommodates battery swelling. The PCB 265 is mounted vertically and seals the battery chamber 270 and removes the need for there to be any additional physical barrier, whilst also proving crush strength for the body 262; PCB 265 is slid into the body 262 along guide slots 272. Figure 27 shows the PCB 265 not reaching the base of the compartment 270 to more clearly show the side guide rails 272; in practice, PCB 265 extends along the entire length of the guide rails 272 to fully seal off the battery chamber 270. All components on the PCB 265 face towards the battery 264 to avoid interfering with the capacitive liquid level sensing system; the PCB 265 implements all control functions, including PWM power control, for the vaping device; it can implement the temperature control algorithms described earlier in Section A. At the top of the PCB 265 can be a light or set of lights to give user feedback (e.g. whether operation, at the right temperature, requires re-charging), visible through a small aperture in the top section 261 and also a haptic feedback device (e.g. giving a subtle vibration when the device is ready for use, or about to run out of charge etc).

[0520] A void 266 then separates the rear-side of the PCB (with no components) from the cylindrical chamber 271; the purpose of this void is to ensure minimal interference between the battery 264 and PCB 265 with the capacitive liquid level sensing system in the refill dock, which measures the capacitive of the materials inside the cylindrical chamber 271, which varies as the level of liquid in the foam reservoir (not shown) alters.

[0521] The body 262 sits on a plastic injection moulded base 263. With this design of body 262, it becomes fast to slide in the key components into the body - namely, the battery 264, PCB 265 and the foam core 269 with internal heating element 267, 268. Equally important, it is also easy to remove these components for recycling: in practice, an automated or manual recycling machine would remove the top section 261 and the base section 263, leaving just the body section 262, including battery 264, PCB 265 and the foam core 269 with internal heating element 267, 268. A rod would be pushed into the battery compartment 270, pushing the battery out; since the PCB 265 will in practice be connected via a tape to the battery 264, the PCB 265 is also removed, moving down guide rails 272. Battery 264 and PCB 265 can then be readily separated for recycling. Another rod is pushed into the cylindrical chamber 271, pushing out the foam reservoir 269 with internal heating element 267, 268; these can then be safely disposed of, or recycled if possible. The plastic body 262 can then itself be recycled (see for example 'Section E: Recycling propylene nicotine bottles’ for one way of achieving this; the body is in effect a nicotine contained since the cylindrical chamber 271 acts as a nicotine liquid reservoir contained). Conventional vaping devices do not have compartments like the compartments 270, 271 in this implementation, making automated, fast disassembly for re-cycling far harder.

[0522] Note that the implementations described in Section include a battery that is built-in and not user-removable. In some countries, there is regulatory pressure for vaping devices to include removable batteries to facilitate battery re-cycling. Because of the ease with which the battery can in practice be removed from the body in the box or bottle format vaping device, this design may well be compliant with this form of regulatory requirement. The battery could also be clipped or secured into position in a way that the user could unclip, enabling the user to remove the battery for re-cycling at end-of-life.

[0523] Returning now to Figure 26B, we see the device with the wall elements of the body 262 removed, but showing the battery 264 and PCB 265. The cylindrical foam liquid reservoir 269 is shown translucent to expose the internal heater structure (in reality, the foam core is opaque). The internal heater structure is positioned in a generally cylindrical hollow running up through the central long axis of the cylindrical foam liquid reservoir 269; it includes a metal or fabric tube or chimney 267 and a cotton tab 268 that extends into the foam liquid reservoir 269 and wicks liquid from the reservoir; a heating element inside the chimney contacts the cotton tab and hence generates vapour when it is resistively heated; the heating element can be any suitable and safe heating element as noted earlier (e.g. mesh, wound metal wire etc). Figure 28 is a view of the Figure 26B arrangement, but from below. New features now visible are the air inlet 280; this leads to an internal airpath that leads to the base of the metal tube 267, enabling air to be drawn in when the user inhales and to pass over the heating element that is positioned inside the metal tube 267. Also shown are a pair of small, circular apertures 281 (approximately 0.8mm in diameter) through which the liquid filling nozzles or stems in the refilling dock can pass; these apertures leads to channels that the filling nozzles enter (their length is about 24mm). The filling nozzles penetrate into the foam liquid reservoir 269 by at least 5mm, to enable liquid to be fed directly into the foam liquid reservoir 269.

[0524] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the Figure 26B and Figure 27 arrangement. New features now visible are an internal silicone base section 295 that sits inside the base section 263; silicone base section 295 includes an air passage 294 that enables air drawn in through the air intake 280 to trigger activation of the pressure sensor 296 and then pass up through the metal or fabric tube 267 that contains the heating element, and the vapour nozzle 290 in top section 261. Pressure sensor 296 connects to a circuit that also includes the recharging circuit needed for the rechargeable battery 264, so that only two external electrical contacts are needed and these are connected to the recharging circuit, which in turn provides power to the battery 264 and the pressure sensor 296. The battery 264 provides all power for the PCB components 265, as well as the heater element. The silicone base section 295 also includes twin channels 297 through which the liquid feed nozzles (not shown - but typically 24mm in length and designed to penetrate significantly into the foam) in the deck (not shown) or the liquid from those nozzles passes. As the nozzles withdraw from the device, the silicone channels 297 wipe liquid off the nozzles so that the nozzles do not leave any liquid in the base of the filling dock port. The silicone channels 297 also seal and close as the nozzles are withdrawn, to provide a liquid tight seal to the foam reservoir. Silicone base section 295 also has integral 'O' rings 299 that seal the base of the cylindrical compartment 271 that includes the foam -based liquid reservoir 269 and the heater. Silicone base section 295 hence provides a number of different functions: the lower seal to the liquid compartment 271; a seal to the liquid injection apertures 281, 297; a seal for the pressure sensor 296; a seal around the charging contacts (not shown); and an air seal to the base section 263.

[0525] Figure 29 also shows, above the cylindrical compartment 271 that contains the cylindrical foam liquid reservoir 269, a silicone top plug 292 with integral 'O' rings that seals the compartment 271, but allows vapour to escape through aperture 298 in the silicone plug 292 and pass into the vapour nozzle 290 in top section 261. Silicone top plug 292 also includes two small holes 293 for air to escape (for air pressure equalisation during liquid filling) and also for electrical leads, connected to electronics in PCB 265, to pass through and then down to the heater element in metal tube 267. Separate holes for the electrical leads may also be provided. The base section 263 also includes external electrical charge contacts (not shown) that connect to charge contacts in the dock and provide power to the battery 264 via a recharge circuit on PCB 265.

[0526] Figure 30 shows a typical interaction sequence, mirroring the Figure 23 sequence, but using the box or bottle format vaping device. First (far left) the user inverts the lOmL liquid refill bottle, leaving the cap in place, and then inserts that inverted bottle into the refill bottle aperture in the refill dock. Then the user lowers the vaping device, mouthpiece upright, into the vaping device aperture in the refill dock. The dock then automatically measures the level of liquid in the liquid reservoir in the vaping device using a capacitive liquid level sensing system and, if it is below a threshold, automatically pumps liquid from the inverted bottle to the liquid reservoir in the vaping device, until the capacitive liquid level sensing system sends a signal indicating that a sufficient fill level in the reservoir has been reached. Then, the dock starts charging the battery in the vaping device. It can take approximately 2 minutes to fill an empty liquid reservoir, and 20 minutes to charge up an empty battery.

[0527] Figure 31A shows a side view of the device; the sides are shown as parallel, but may taper or slope to facilitate ejection from simple moulds. Figure 31B, the top down view, shows that the shape of the base and body is asymmetric so that there is only one way to dock it correctly; this protects the liquid filling nozzles in the dock from damage associated with incorrect docking.

[0528] The box or bottle format hybrid vaping device has some advantages over the tube or bar format device described in Figures 10 - 24. It fills into the base of the device, hence without the need for the vaping device to be inverted; this is potentially more hygienic, especially for refill docks used in bars, and clubs (like the Figure 24 unit). The electrical charging contacts on the device can be located further from the liquid filling apertures than is possible with the tube or bar format device. It is also larger in volume than the tube or bar format device, enabling a larger foam liquid reservoir, larger battery, larger PCB, greater tolerance in inserting components and hence ease of rapid manufacturing. The box or bottle format hybrid vaping device can be re-filled from the desktop re-filling and re-charging device shown earlier in Figure 30; in this implementation, most of the lOmL refill bottle extends out from the dock, since the motor and peristaltic pump are positioned under the cap of the refill bottle; this makes for a compact dock.

[0529] An alternative design, again using the same box-tyle vaping device as described earlier, is shown in Figure 32A - C, where the desktop dock 320 is a cuboid, of approximate dimensions 5cm x 5cm x 5cm. It is powered via a USB-C cable (not shown) but may also include a rechargeable battery.

[0530] The dock 320 includes a bottle port 324 into which the cap-end 323 of a lOmL refill bottle 322 can be inserted, as shown in Figure 32A The dock 320 includes a vaping device port 321 into which the vaping device 325 can be slid down, as shown in Figure 32B. Unlike the system shown in Figure 30, in this variant, the bottle 322 slides almost completely into the dock 320, as shown in Figure 32B. When re-filling and recharging, as shown in Figure 32C, most of the bottle 322 and vaping device 325 are slid into the dock, giving a compact overall appearance.

[0531] Figure 33 is an expanded view of the dock 330, showing the vaping device 332 approaching the slot 331 in the dock; the lOmL refill bottle 333 is already docked. The dock 330 includes a series of five status lights 334: the top light is a RGB LED that gives the charge status of the rechargeable battery in the vaping device 332; it flashes red when charging and goes to a steady green when fully charged. The lower four lights are white LEDs that give the liquid fill status of the vaping device 332: the lowest white light LED illuminates if the vaping device 2mL liquid reservoir is below 25% full and blinks during re-filling; once the reservoir reaches 24% full, the lowest white light stays on solidly; as the reservoir fills from 25% to 50%, the second white light pulses and then stays on solidly once 50% is reached etc. All four white light LEDs illuminate steadily when the vaping device reservoir is 100% full. The user can at any time dock the vaping device to see how much liquid is left in its internal reservoir.

[0532] Figure 34 is a largely transparent depiction of the dock 340, with lOmL refill bottle 341 fully inserted into the dock 340; a small portion of the top of the bottle is visible and protrudes from the top of the dock 340. The vaping device is also fully inserted into dock 340, leaving its mouthpiece 342 protruding from the dock 340. Dock 340 includes a curved metallic plate 343 used for capacitive liquid level sensing. The dock 340 is powered by a USB-C cable, plugged into USB-C port 344. This powers the electronics in the dock 340, as well as the small electric motor 345 that powers the small peristaltic pump 346, used to withdraw liquid from the refill bottle 341 and pump it to the small 2mL reservoir in the vaping device. Because the motor and pump are set to one side of the refill bottle 341, that enables the refill bottle 341 to be inserted almost fully into the dock 340.

[0533] Figure 35 shows how the vaping device 350 can include a user-removable, user-replaceable pod 351 that includes a mouthpiece 353; this implements the first aspect of the invention. This design of vaping device and its operation is essentially the same as the variant described above in Figures 26 - 34, apart from the user-replaceable pod and the relatively minor changes needed because the liquid reservoir is now in a user-replaceable pod. The pod 351 has an outer casing 352 shaped or configured to slide into an aperture or opening 354 in the body of the vaping device 350; the pod is pushed down into a mechanical engagement arises, or it could be secured with a small magnet.

[0534] For this box format vaping device, the pod is an essentially elongate cylindrical body or other shape 352 and a mouthpiece 353; some or all of the cylindrical body 352 (or other shape) slides into the vaping device opening 354. Figure 36 is an expanded view of the user-replaceable pod 351.

[0535] For other formats that implement the invention, such as a bar-format device, the pod again includes a mouthpiece and a body, but these two items are typically combined to form a single unitary piece with no clear boundary between the mouthpiece and body; this is the conventional pod design that has been used for many years in this field. Unlike the box-format implementation shown in Figure 35, only a small section of the pod body slides into the vaping device body, typically merely to enable secure mechanical and electrical engagement.

[0536] As noted above, there are multiple variants of pod 351. Specifically shown in Figure 35 and Figure 36 is the refillable version: this pod is typically supplied to the end-user pre-filled and ready for use, or empty and hence needing to be filled (e.g. using the re-filling dock 358). In either event, the pod can be re-filled multiple times; toxicology testing has shown that one implementation could be re-filled to deliver 10,000 1 second inhalations (approximately equivalent to 30mL of liquid, of 15 complete re-fills from empty) and yet maintain safe performance (i.e. no detectable levels of carbonyls or metals, even when testing is done over 100 inhalations - i.e. the cumulative amount of carbonyls and metals over 100 inhalations was still undetectable). This refillable pod variant can be used for any shape or format of vaping device - e.g. a box-format (as shown in Figure 35) or a bar-format device (as shown in Figure 10), or any other shape or format. Figure 36 is a view of the user-replaceable pod 351, showing the mouthpiece 353, body outer casing 352, pod electrical contacts 355 and air inlet nozzle 356.

[0537] As noted above, pod 351 does not have to be re-fillable but could also be non-refillable and hence supplied to the user pre-filled with liquid and discarded once that liquid (typically 2mL in volume) has been used up. Again, this non-refillable pod variant can be used for any shape or format of vaping device - e.g. a box-format or a bar-format device, or any other shape or format.

[0538] Figure 37 shows some of the internal features of the user-replaceable pod 351 shown in Figure 36: there are many similarities with the structure described for the vaping device without a replaceable pod, as shown in Figures 26 - 29. For example, the user-replaceable pod 351 includes a foam based liquid reservoir 359 (total liquid capacity is approximately 3mL but it is filled to only 2mL where local laws impose that limit); using a foam-filled reservoir 359 substantially reduces liquid leakage compared to a hollow reservoir; capillary action within the reservoir 359 also acts to slowly and evenly distribute the liquid within the foam-filled reservoir 359, so that, when the pod is being filled with liquid (by the re-filling dock 358), the capacitive liquid level sensing system in the dock (which measures the change in capacitance associated with a change in the liquid level in the pod reservoir 359) is more stable and accurate. The foam-filled reservoir 359 sits between a lower silicone plug 367 at the base of the pod body 352 and an upper silicone plug 368 at the top of the pod body 352; the silicone plugs prevent liquid leakage, even when the pod is being filled with liquid. Both silicone plugs include 'O' rings 361. The pod includes a metal tube or chimney 360 that the heating element (not shown) sits inside, drawing liquid in from the liquid reservoir 359, typically using a cotton wick (not shown). Air passes into the pod from the air inlet 361, and passes up through the chimney 360 and over the liquid infused heating element, typically heated to 220°C ± 5°C to vaporise the liquid (a steady temperature range maintained by the closed loop temperature system); the vaporised liquid passes up through the chimney 360 and to the mouthpiece 353. The operation is essentially the same as the operation of the system shown in Figures 26 - 34.

[0539] Figure 38 shows the top of the pod body, with the mouthpiece removed; four sets of electrical contacts 355 are shown (two for power, two for data); a microchip or other data store 363 sits just above the electrical contacts 355. Microchip or data store 363 stores the number of inhalations made by the pod (or other data that enables the progress to end-of-life to be tracked): this information is calculated by the power management system in the vaping device and is read-out to the data store 363. It enables the pod to flag to the vaping device when that pod has generated a pre-set number of inhalations or puff-second (currently set at 10,000 since we have toxicology data that shows that even after 10,000 1 second inhalations no measurable levels of carbonyls or metals are present in the generated vapour) after which that pod should no longer be functional. This number can be altered to reflect changing toxicology evidence. One approach is to set that number into the data store 363 for a new pod, and for each inhalation (as tracked by the vaping device) to result in the counter decreasing by one; once the counter in the data store 363 reaches zero, the pod flags that it has reached its end of life - e.g. the vaping device queries the vaping device for whether the 'zero' flag has been set or not; only if there is no 'zero' flag can the vaping device send power to the pod. The data store 363 in the pod can also store data relating to the initial liquid fill level in the pod; the device can then work out, given how many inhalations have been made by the pod (e.g. through a puff counting system), when power should no longer be supplied to the pod.

[0540] The data store 363 in the pod can also store data relating to the parameters of the heating element, such as its resistance (since that can vary how the closed loop temperature control system operates) and the nature of the liquid stored in the pod (which can again affect how the closed loop temperature control system operates); the vaping device reads out this data and modifies the operation of the closed loop temperature control system accordingly.

[0541] Figure 39 shows the corresponding electrical contacts 365 in the vaping device; these both provide power to the heating element in the pod, and also read out the data (e.g. presence of the 'zero' end-of-life flag; any data that affects the operation of the closed loop temperature control system or other vaping device system). Figure 40 shows the pod upside down, showing the central, axially positioned air inlet nozzle 356 and a pair of liquid injection points 357 on the base of the user-replaceable pod 350. A pair of long needles in the re-filling dock penetrate the liquid injection points 357 and reach into the foam material in the liquid reservoir; having a pair of liquid injection needles ensures that filing is more even in the liquid reservoir, leading to a more accurate measurement of the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir by the liquid level sensing system.

[0542] Figure 41 shows a cross-section through the user-replaceable pod. The pod includes a mouthpiece 353 that is fixed to the pod outer casing 352. An upper silicone plug 368 seals the top of the casing 352. Inside the casing is a foam-filled liquid reservoir 359 (cylindrical and annular in shape); the foam-filled reservoir 359 surrounds a metal tube or chimney 360; as noted earlier, a heating element (not shown) is positioned in the tube 360 and draws liquid via a wick from the reservoir 359. The base of the pod is sealed with a lower silicone plug 367. An air inlet 356 is at the base of the pod. During liquid filling, a pair of liquid filling nozzles (not shown) pass up through the liquid injection ports 357 and into a pair of liquid injection channels 366 and into the lower part of the foam in the liquid reservoir 359. As liquid fills the reservoir 359, air is pushed out of the pair of channels 369 in the upper silicone plug 368 (these channels also serve as an air path for air pressure equalisation).

[0543] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view through the pod 351 and the vaping device 350. Pod 351 can be slid through opening 354 in the top of the vaping device 350 and into a chamber 373 in the vaping device, shaped to receive the outer casing 352 of the pod 351 and arranged parallel to the battery. Where the pod outer casing 352 is cylindrical, then the chamber 373 includes a corresponding cylindrical section. At the base of the vaping device 350 is a silicone base section

[0544] 370 (see also Figure 29 item 295) that includes an internal air-path that enables air to enter the vaping device through an air inlet 374 (see also Figure 29 item 280) and follow an air passage

[0545] 371 through the silicone base section 370 and then up and into the pod. Figure 43 shows the pod when in position in the vaping device; the air path 372 through the air passage 371 in the silicone base section 370 is shown. As noted above, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece, as the air passes through the air passage 371, it triggers pressure drop sensor 296 to send a control signal to the power control circuitry, causing power to be sent to the heating element in the pod and leading to heating and atomisation of the liquid that has been wicked to the heating element. As the air moves up and into the metal tube or chimney 360 in the pod, it mixes with the heated and atomised liquid, and is drawn up through the mouthpiece into the user's mouth. The base of the vaping device also includes a pair of electrical charging contacts (not shown). When the vaping device is positioned in the refill dock, then these charging contacts engage with a pair of electrical contacts in the dock; in addition, a pair of liquid filling needles in the dock enter a pair of apertures in the base of the device through which the liquid filling nozzles pass (see also Figure 29 item 281) and the needles then pass up through the liquid filing channels 366 in the pod (see Figure 41).

[0546] Section F describes the Key Features of this implementation. Other features of this system are as described in Sections A, C, D and E, including the Key and Optional Features described in or related to those sections.

[0547] Section C: Dynamic battery charging dependent on the liquid fill level in the vaping device

[0548] If there is liquid in the liquid reservoir of the vaping device whilst the heating element is being heated, and the heating element sits on a cotton wicking material, then the cotton wicking material will not burn if the vaping device uses the closed loop temperature control system described above. But if the liquid does run out, then the cotton material can heat above its burn temperature as the heating element is continuously maintained at a temperature above the cotton bum temperature; the cotton will burn, giving an unpleasant taste to the inhaled vapour.

[0549] In order to stop the cotton (or other substrate or wicking material) burning, one implementation of the system can automatically make sure that it is not possible to heat the heating element whilst the cotton or other wicking substrate is dry. One way to do this, without the complication of trying to detect dry cotton or other dry-vape conditions, is to ensure that there will always be liquid in the pod whenever the heating element is heated, or to put it another way, to make sure that the battery runs out of charge (or falls below a set charge or voltage threshold which leads to the vaping device not firing) before the liquid in the liquid reservoir runs out. This is especially useful for low-cost disposable devices, where the cost and complexity of circuitry to detect dry vape conditions can be prohibitive.

[0550] In this Section C, we describe how to implement this in the context of a re-fillable vaping device. The re-fillable vaping device in one implementation has a pod or tip that can be removed by an end-user for replacement at the end of its life (typically after 10,000 puffs): Hybrid vaping devices of this kind have been described above, in Section B.

[0551] In a first approach, the vaping system (typically the re-charge and re-fill device, which can be a desktop device, e.g. as shown in PCT / GB2019 / 052922 or in Section B of this specification), automatically ensures that the available power in the battery (i.e. energy stored in the battery that sends current to the heating element) is not enough to vapourise substantially all of the liquid contained within the liquid reservoir of the vaping device (the liquid reservoir is in the user replaceable, refillable pod or tip). This ensures that a 'dry vape' condition cannot arise. The system measures how much liquid is initially present in the liquid reservoir (e.g. after each re-filling operation) using the liquid level sensing system in the refill dock described above and this amount can be written to the chip in the pod. With this knowledge, and because the dock also charges the battery in the vaping device and measures the available power in the battery, it can determine when to charge the battery only to a level that will ensure that the charge falls below a threshold, triggering no further heating by the battery, before the liquid in the liquid reservoir runs out. Note that this approach is also possible with a pre-filled and non-refillable pod too: given knowledge of the initial factory fill amount (typically 2mL or less), the battery can be set to be sufficient to vapourise e.g. only 1.8mL of liquid.

[0552] To implement this for either a refillable pod or a pre-filled non-re-fillable pod, the system designers do a statistical calculation, backed up with prior practical testing, to determine the capacity of the battery / compared to the liquid capacity of the liquid reservoir. The calculation needs to take into account variations (e.g. between different devices) in battery capacity, variation in useable charge from the battery, variation in the liquid fill level, variation in the amount of power used to vapourise the liquid under all conditions of temperature, pressure, etc, draw strength, liquid vapourisation energy, electrical circuit variation, etc. So in practice, when designing this system, the system designers make this calculation and back it up with practical testing and then leave some margin for error.

[0553] So in the first approach, the battery in the vaping device is deliberately 'under-charged' - i.e. it falls below a threshold and hence stops heating before a known amount of liquid in the pod is vapourised. In a second approach, the battery is not 'under-charged' in this way. Instead, the vaping system can use a switch to automatically shut off the battery after it has dispensed a certain amount of power, and that power is known, with a high degree of confidence, to be insufficient to vaporise all of the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir; alternatively, the vaping system can use a switch to automatically shut off the battery after a number of inhalations, known to be significantly less than the potential total number of inhalations possible, given the measured liquid in the pod (known from the liquid level sensing system where the pod is refillable; known from the factory where the pod is not refillable but pre-filled at the factory). So this second approach can also be used in both liquid re-fillable devices (where the re-filling system has to measure the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir anyway as part of the refilling process) and also devices with a pre-filled liquid reservoir and that are not designed to be user re-fillable (where you know approximately how much liquid each pod has been filled with). The advantage of this second approach is that the result will be guaranteed to be invariant of battery capacity due to wear and age / charging cycles, but in practice we are not intending the product to have a long life so this is probably not too much of an issue. These approaches remove the need to measure or infer how much liquid is left in the reservoir at any time; instead, they use the opposite approach, namely to measure or infer how much liquid is initially present in the reservoir when it has been filled (e.g. at the re-filling device). So this can be implemented using a simple process that takes this initial fill amount, works out a total number of puff-seconds of activation appropriate to atomise a pre-set amount of that liquid, and causes a warning light to show on the device when that total number of puff-seconds of activation has been reached. As before, there is no need to measure or infer how much liquid is left in the reservoir at any time, e.g. to detect an imminent dry vape condition.

[0554] We can also look at a partial liquid refill situation, where the liquid reservoir does not get fully filled for some reason. That is, it must not be possible to partially fill the liquid reservoir but completely recharge the battery. Now under normal circumstances this will not happen since the automated liquid filling will take a fraction of the time of battery charging, but it is not impossible for it to happen, especially if the filling socket in the dock is separate from the charging socket.

[0555] The liquid reservoir in a vaping device could get partially refilled in a refill dock, the device taken out of the re-filling socket of the dock and put into a separate charging socket (see Section B) and then fully recharged. Essentially, with the triple port dock (see Figures 11 - 15), the liquid level sense is done in the dedicated re-filling socket and the device is then moved to the dedicated re-charging socket, so once it is charging there is no certain knowledge of how much liquid is in the pod and therefore we cannot modify the heat cycle. We can simply assume that the last measured level of liquid in the pod is the level of liquid in the pod when it is placed into the dedicated re-charging socket, but that is a weak assumption that will fail in practice.

[0556] One solution is to combine the re-filling and recharging into a single socket (see Section B, Figures 17 - 24 and Figure 30, 32 - 35) so that we have control of both at the same time, including using the liquid level sensing in the dock to know how much liquid there is in the pod while we recharge it. With the Section B design shown in Figures 17 - 24 and Figure 30, 32 - 35, this means that we have to have the refill liquid and recharge battery ports at the same end of the vaping device .

[0557] We can do this in two different ways: a) The system automatically refills first and only starts to charge once the pod is completely full. This will make the whole refill / recharge process slightly longer but will be a fail safe way of ensuring that the pod is always full. b) or we do both at the same time safe in the knowledge that under normal circumstances the pod will always refill before the battery is recharged.

[0558] The problem with b) is that for some reason the pod might not refill, the most likely cause being that the refill capsule does not have enough liquid in it. So the system includes an algorithm to start the process but only proportionally charge depending on the liquid level measurement progressing.

[0559] As a consequence of, in the cylinder or bar format vaping device, having the battery recharge and pod refill at the mouth end of the vapouriser we have to ensure that: a) The user cannot suck liquid out of the refill-valve in the pod whilst vaping, and the user cannot feel the valve when the pod is in their mouth. b) The user does not get an electrical shock from the battery charging terminals despite their mouth / saliva shorting the terminals and again, the user cannot feel the battery terminals in their mouth whilst vaping.

[0560] Item a) needs to be mechanically designed so that this does not happen.

[0561] These problems do not arise with the box or bottle format vaping device (See Figures 26 - 31).

[0562] To make the vapouriser as cheap as possible we have the battery recharge circuit in the dock. This means that to stop item b) happening we include an electronic switch in the battery circuit to prevent any energy coming back out of the vapouriser during vaping but of course still allow charge to go into the battery whilst charging.

[0563] We can generalise this to:

[0564] A vaping system including: (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user;

[0565] (b) a battery re-charging sub-system configured to re-charge a battery in the vaping device;

[0566] (c) an automatic liquid filling device configured to automatically refill the liquid reservoir in the vaping device; and

[0567] (d) an electronic liquid level sensing sub-system configured to automatically sense or measure the level or amount of liquid in the reservoir; and in which the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to control the amount of charge or energy delivered to or stored in the battery, depending on data from the liquid level sensing sub-system.

[0568] Optional features include any one or more of the following:

[0569] The battery re-charging sub-system

[0570] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to control the amount of charge or energy delivered to or stored in the battery so that the charge or energy in the battery will battery will substantially run out or fall below a threshold needed to drive the heating element above a set temperature, before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid.

[0571] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to monitor the charge level of the rechargeable battery and the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir, and to regulate the amount of power delivered to or stored in the battery so that the battery will cease to operate because it has run out of charge, or has fallen below a pre-set charge level, before the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir falls below a pre-set amount, to thereby prevent the occurrence of dry vaping.

[0572] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to control the amount of charge or energy stored in the battery so that the battery will cease to provide power sufficient to cause a wi eking element to bum before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid. • the battery re-charging sub-system includes a main control circuit in the automatic liquid filling device.

[0573] • the battery re-charging sub-system includes a main control circuit in the vaping device.

[0574] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured with a control algorithm that implements a statistical calculation that determines the capacity of the battery as compared to the liquid capacity of the liquid reservoir.

[0575] • The calculation takes into account one or more of the following variations between different devices: battery capacity, variation in useable charge from the battery, variation in the liquid fill level measurement, variation in the amount of power used to vapourise the liquid under all conditions of temperature, pressure, etc, draw strength, liquid vapourisation energy, electrical circuit variation.

[0576] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured with a control algorithm that causes a switch to automatically shut off the battery after it has dispensed a certain amount of power, and that power is known to be insufficient to vaporise all of the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir when the liquid reservoir has been filled to a set level or amount.

[0577] Other features of this system are as described in Sections A, B, D, and F including the Key and Optional Features described in or related to those sections.

[0578] Section D: Always on data connectivity

[0579] In this Section D, we describe a connected vaping or HNB or cannabinoid vaporiser that is data connected and needs no user set up (e.g. there is no need to create an account or log on to a user's Wi-Fi or set up a Bluetooth connection). Instead, the device automatically connects when it is first turned on; it includes a simple, very low cost Low Power Network transceiver and can automatically connect and send / receive data over a Low Power Network, e.g. Low Power Wide Area Network such as LoRaWAN networks provided by several operators, e.g. Helium, TTN, Senet and MachineQ (Comcast). This approach is especially useful for disposable vapouriser devices, namely vaping devices that are to be sold to an end-user with a pre-filled liquid reservoir and a pre-charged battery so that the end-user can (i) immediately vape on the device after purchase and (ii) can either discard the device once the pre-charged battery is depleted or (iii) automatically re-charge and re-fill the device at a re-filling device. For disposable devices, the main consumer appeal is the convenience of being able to use the devices out-of-the-box, with no user set up and no swapping a used tip for a new one (a slightly fiddly and potentially messy process). The likelihood of a user of a disposable vaping device going to the trouble of linking the device to an app or web-browser based app on their smartphone, or to a Wi-fi network, is minimal, and so the assumption has been that disposable vaping devices will not be connected devices.

[0580] An 'always-connected' device, that implements the features described in this Section D, enables a device manufacturer, consumer or other entity to: (i) understand how and where a device is being used; (ii) allow a consumer to find a lost device; (iii) establish a direct manufacturer / device vendor relationship with individual consumers, enabling e.g. auto- fulfillment for replacement devices or liquid bottles when a device or bottle is close to being empty, subscription based supply of devices or liquids; (iv) enable location based disablement (e.g. within a school boundary or area in a school (e.g. toilets, common rooms there could be a LoRaWAN transmitter that sends a 'disable' signal to all devices whilst they are in range of the transmitter). The final point, location-based disablement, is especially valuable for hybrid vaping devices, since this category has become very popular with under-age (e.g., school age) users, causing significant alarm amongst not only responsible manufacturers but also public health authorities. This section describes a LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) Connectivity Demonstrator. This demonstrator focuses on connectivity provided by LoRaWAN networks provided by several operators such as Helium, TTN, Senet and MachineQ (Comcast). LoRaWAN networks are based on LoRa technology developed by the Semtech corporation (San Francisco based semiconductor supplier). The technology uses sub-GHz un-licensed bands for wireless communication and as such each access point has a greater area coverage than corresponding higher frequency 4G, 5G mobile cells. LoRaWAN networks are designed for the loT, m2m comms with devices transmitting small packets of data infrequently to the internet, typically by remote monitoring devices.

[0581] LoRaWAN network providers can be split into public geographically large networks and private smaller typically building wide networks. The public networks are formed by private individuals setting up access points on a pay per usage model with an operator. The access points will typically connect into the owner’s Wi-Fi for wide area connectivity. As such network coverage can be patchy and tends to be located in major population centres. Network coverage is growing, however.

[0582] We will consider the Helium Network for this study; One of the largest LoRaWAN networks is operated by Helium. It operates on a pay per use basis where each packet of 24 bytes costs 0.00001 USD to send. Once a device ID is setup on the network it will connect when in range with no user input.

[0583] We have demonstrated this with a dev kit: We have connected a development board to the Helium network to transmit dummy data from a device and receive it in the cloud. The dev board transmits environmental data rather than vaping data but apart from that the principle is identical. The next step will be to generate pseudo puff data packets to give additional realism to the demonstration before finally integrating the hardware to a vaping device. The next section shows the environmental data interpreted by a web service called mydevice.com. In our application we would strip off the required data received by the Helium network and forward it onto our servers to process as we do at the moment.

[0584] The Helium data packet, amongst other things, contains the following information.

[0585] • Device ID - will uniquely identify the device.

[0586] • Lat and long - of the base station. • Time and date - of the transmission.

[0587] • RS SI (signal strength) - of the device signal received by the base station.

[0588] • Payload - device data (24 bytes).

[0589] • The lat / long is for the base station not the device. So RSSI or triangulation of RSSI with base station can give a more precise reading of the device’s position when the data is being uploaded.

[0590] The assumption is that the data would be transmitted as soon as it is generated so that the location of the base station would be an indication of the location of the device. However, if the data is generated when the device is not close to a base station then it can be stored and upload when the device is next within range. Then of course the base station’s position is not a good indication of device position but at least the difference between the transmission time and the recorded data time will be different and indicate that the position is unknown.

[0591] The maximum payload is 24 bytes, the first two bytes are defined for all types of data and the following 22 bytes may vary per data type.

[0592] • Sequence (1 byte) - incrementing sequence to check for any missing.

[0593] • Data Type (1 byte) - puff data structure below.

[0594] • Data (per puff)

[0595] • Puff Duration (1 byte)

[0596] • Unix Time (5 bytes)

[0597] • Liquid type / flavour (1 byte)

[0598] • Battery level (1 byte)

[0599] • Temperature of plate / coil / mesh (1 byte)

[0600] • Power used (1 byte)

[0601] • Liquid level of pod (1 byte)

[0602] • Liquid level of capsule (1 byte)

[0603] • Puff count (1 byte)

[0604] • Liquid flavor / type (1 byte)

[0605] We can generalise to: A vaping device including a low power, wide area network chip or circuit configured to enable the device to receive and / or send vaping related data automatically over that low power, wide area network, without the user having to set up or configure the device to send data.

[0606] Optional features include any one or more of the following:

[0607] • the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data.

[0608] • the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data as an advertising signal, or another signal that does not require a pre-existing data connection with a receiver in the low power, wide area network.

[0609] • the vaping related data describes how the device is being used.

[0610] • the vaping related data describes when the device is being used.

[0611] • the location of the low power, wide area network receiver that receives data from the vaping device defines where the vaping device is being used, e.g., for analytics and for a 'find-my-device' function.

[0612] • the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining the type of liquid or other tobacco or HnB (heat not burn) substance consumed.

[0613] • the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining whether the amount of vapable substance, such as liquid or tobacco or HnB (heat not bum) substance, remaining in the vaping device is below a threshold.

[0614] • the vaping related data includes puff related data, including the timing and duration of puffs.

[0615] • the vaping device is configured to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter that automatically causes the device to cease operation.

[0616] • the deactivation signal is sent from a transmitter with a limited range, so that devices cease to operate within a defined area, such as a school, or room or area in a school, or a bus or a train or other environment where vaping or smoking is not permitted.

[0617] Other features of this system are as described in Sections A, B, C, and E, including the Key and Optional Features described in or related to those sections. AyrLock™

[0618] .Another variant is for a connected vaping or HNB or cannabinoid vaporiser device that specifically addresses the very significant problem of underage use, and use in environments where vaping etc is not allowed. We refer to this as the 'AYRLock' system. The vapouriser device equipped with AYRLock technology is data connected without needing any user set up; it picks up signals from a Bluetooth beacon (or a similar device that emits a radio signal that other devices can pick up) and the device automatically self-disables vaping whilst in range, or for a pre-set time (e.g. 2 hours, or 12 hours - the time can be set by the signal and hence varied by an administrator or fixed in the device). So the device includes a low cost receiver chip (e.g. Bluetooth receiver chip) that is set to react to the specific signals sent from the Bluetooth beacon and is programmed to stop the device vaping, if that beacon signal is detected. There is no need to pair the vapouriser device to any Bluetooth beacon. Bluetooth receiver chips are significantly cheaper than LoRaWAN chips; the former are typically a few cents, whereas the latter are currently several dollars.

[0619] A Bluetooth BLE beacon is both very cheap (e.g. sub $5) and is hence widely deployable at low cost in schools and other areas where vaping should be discouraged. The beacon could be battery powered and therefore very easy to install, of limited transmission distance and therefore is less likely to interfere with people just outside of the school's grounds or other areas where vaping etc is being discouraged. It can readily made to be a directional signal that is blocked or shielded from areas meant to be unaffected by the deactivation signal.

[0620] Since they are so cheap and easy to install, the school et. could mount several beacon devices around risk areas of the school - bike sheds, toilets, staff rooms, etc. An administrator can readily check the beacon's transmission strength just using their mobile phones, and so it would be easy for them to move them to the optimal places. Beacons can be omnidirectional and can also be directional; the latter is useful to avoid spillage of the beacon's signal into the street or other public area, where ordinary users are permitted to vape etc.

[0621] There has to be something about the beacon signal that will indicate that it is part of the Ayrlock system which can be detected by the vaporizer, e.g., a specific (known) range of MAC addresses, the advertising name itself or data within the beacon advertising transmission, etc. The current demonstrator uses a specific range of MAC addresses. Commercially available beacons are programmable so at least one of these feature can be readily added to generic beacons or specific pre-programmed beacons could be purchased.

[0622] The vaporizer has a BLE central device - chip plus antenna - within it to periodically scan for the beacon signal. Once detected it should stop itself from being able to be vaped, e.g., by stopping the firing of the coil. Once it detects the absence of the beacon signal it can release the lock and allow vaping to continue as normal. If a vape is attempted, whilst detecting a signal broadcast from the beacon, the device could sound an alarm as well as just disabling itself.

[0623] The beacon can also record (or send to the administrator's -e.g. headmaster's / mistress's App) the MAC of any vaporizer that attempts a vape on the premises, as a help in identifying the vaper along with an estimate of where the vapouriser is based on RSSI and beacon location. A Bluetooth mesh may be needed to get the signal to the phone with the App on it. The MAC address of the vapouriser that had an attempted vape can be captured by the beacon and then, in theory be traced back to a shipment, and in theory presumably traced back to the shop that sold it and if GDPR allows to a credit card.

[0624] A user may try to mask the vapouriser device from receiving the 'turn-off signal from the beacon, e.g. by covering the device in metal foil or otherwise shielding it from wireless signals. Since Bluetooth signals are ubiquitous in most locations, the device may infer that, if it can detect no Bluetooth signals at all, that it is being shielded in some way and will then also automatically disable itself - e.g. whilst no Bluetooth signals at all are detected, or for a set time (30 minutes, 2 hours etc). This feature may be further enhanced by detecting the abrupt loss of signal as the vaporizer is shielded. The device could also sound an alarm as well as disabling itself if it detected an absence of any Bluetooth signals.

[0625] The owner / manager of the area to be restricted will have to purchase beacons and site them appropriately to maximise their coverage of the area but also restrict interference with vaping outside of the area. There are two complications: first, the BLE transmit range is notoriously both short and also difficult to predict. It is affected by obstacles, e.g., walls and doors, as well as reflections, dead zones etc. So, a large area with many obstacles may need more than one beacon or simply just have one beacon placed close to an area known for being at risk of unwanted vaping. It may be advantageous to “map” the signal strength to identify the best places to site the beacon(s).

[0626] The second complication is that BLE can sometimes extend too far: the area where the signal can be picked up should be limited so as not to inconvenience legitimate use outside of the restricted area. There are several possible solutions to this from careful siting of the beacon(s), careful orientation of directional beacons, to adjustment of their transmit power, to adding a time delay from pick up of the beacon’s signal to actual inhibiting of the vaping, to allow a casual passerby to continue to vape as they briefly pass though the beacon’s transmit signal.

[0627] Another issue is beacon battery life: the battery will of course eventually run out and since beacons are likely to be placed somewhere not too accessible - to prevent tampering - the lifetime should be long enough to make it relatively hassle free to maintain the system. Many beacons have a guaranteed battery life of 3 years, and this could be extended depending on the size of the batteries used in the final system.

[0628] As well as a basic system to stop vaping there are enhancements that might be added:

[0629] 1. The beacon could be modified with enhanced capabilities to also have peripheral functionality to allow it to connect to the vapouriser and capture details of the vapouriser, such as its MAC address. This could be stored within the beacon and then read back by a suitable authority and used to try to detect which vapouriser was present in the area, or which vapouriser was attempted to be vaped.

[0630] 2. As an additional feature it may be possible to go further and find out where it was sold, who manufactured it, when it was sold, who bought it, etc.

[0631] 3. Statistics of how many attempts to vape were attempted, where and when they were attempted, in real time or not, etc. could also be captured by the beacon(s). A special App could download these statistics and act on them.

[0632] 4. An App could also be used to manage the system and monitor the status, e.g., check for battery failure, tamper detection, real time alerts of attempted vapes, etc.

[0633] 5. Multiple beacons could be meshed together to share data and allow management of a wider area all from one central point.

[0634] 6. The vapouriser itself could be fitted with an alert e.g., light or sound, to indicate that a vape in a restricted area was attempted. This would also help with any confusion of legitimate usage passing close to a restricted area. 7. Cost - although the cost of a BLE central device is not too expensive, especially in large volumes, it is an additional cost. The system may therefore work best for refillable / rechargeable vapourisers where the cost, as well as environmental impact, can be spread over a longer lifetime.

[0635] 8. Vapourisers typically have relatively large batteries to be able to heat the coil, but BLE scanning will use some capacity. The scan rate may therefore be adjusted to reduce the impact, another reason to have the ability to recharge the vapouriser battery.

[0636] We can generalise to:

[0637] A vapouriser device including

[0638] (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and

[0639] (b) a low power, short range wireless chip or circuit configured to enable the device to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter or beacon, and process that signal to automatically disable itself or cause itself to cease operation.

[0640] Optional features include any one or more of the following:

[0641] • the low power, short range wireless chip is a Bluetooth or BLE chip.

[0642] • the deactivation signal is a directional signal that is blocked or shielded from areas meant to be unaffected by the deactivation signal.

[0643] • the device is configured to cease operation whilst receiving the deactivation signal or for a pre-set time or duration, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

[0644] • the device is configured to cease operation if it fails to detect any wireless signals, to prevent EM shielding of the device from successfully defeating the deactivation signal.

[0645] • the device is configured to generate an alarm, e.g. visual, audio and / or haptic, when disabling itself. • the device is configured to send a signal when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.

[0646] • the device is configured to send its MAC address to the local transmitter or beacon when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.

[0647] We can also generalise to:

[0648] A low power, short range wireless transmitter or beacon configured to broadcast a deactivation signal that, when received by a vaping device, causes that vaping device to automatically cease operation.

[0649] Optional features include any one or more of the following:

[0650] • the low power, short range wireless transmitter is a Bluetooth or BLE transmitter or beacon.

[0651] • the deactivation signal is a directional signal that is blocked or shielded from areas meant to be unaffected by the deactivation signal.

[0652] • the deactivation signal is configured to cause the vaping device to cease operation for a pre-set time or duration, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

[0653] • the transmitter or beacon is configured to record (or send to the administrator's -e.g. headmaster's / mistress's App) the MAC address of any vaporizer that attempts a vape on the premises.

[0654] • the transmitter or beacon is configured to be positioned in an environment where vaping is not permitted, such as a school, part of a school, or in the vicinity of a school.

[0655] • the transmitter or beacon is configured to be positioned in an environment where vaping is not permitted, such as a bus, plane, or train.

[0656] • the transmitter or beacon is in a portable device. Section E: Recycling propylene nicotine bottles

[0657] Nicotine e-liquid is typically a mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine and nicotine salts and is typically supplied to consumers in small (e.g. 1 OmL) bottles or in prefilled tips that are designed to fit on to the end of a vaping device. These bottles and tips are manufactured in ery large numbers (1 OOM ) but normal recycling techniques cannot handle nicotine-contaminated polypropylene and these bottles and tips are hence sent to landfill; this is a very large and growing environmental problem. To date, there is no accepted method of manufacturing pure polymers from nicotine-contaminated polymer containers. In this Section E, we describe one such method. It re-purposes a polymer purification process that has been used for purifying polypropylene that includes spoiled food residue and residual perfume components.

[0658] The method involves obtaining the reclaimed polypropylene and contacting it at an elevated temperature and pressure with a fluid solvent to produce an extracted reclaimed polypropylene. The extracted reclaimed polypropylene is dissolved in a solvent at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce a polypropylene solution, which is purified at an elevated temperature and pressure by contacting the polypropylene solution with solid media to produce a purer polypropylene solution. A purer polypropylene is then separated from the purer polypropylene solution.

[0659] More specifically, we disclose:

[0660] 1. A method for purifying a reclaimed polypropylene nicotine container, comprising:

[0661] (a) obtaining the reclaimed polypropylene wherein said reclaimed polypropylene is selected from the group consisting of post-consumer use polymers, post-industrial use polymers, and combinations thereof;

[0662] (b) contacting the reclaimed polypropylene at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 220° C. and at a pressure from about 150 psig (1.03 MPa) to about 15,000 psig (103.42 MPa) with a first fluid solvent having a standard boiling point less than about 70° C., to produce an extracted reclaimed polypropylene;

[0663] (c) dissolving the extracted reclaimed polypropylene in a solvent selected from the group consisting of the first fluid solvent, a second fluid solvent, and mixtures thereof, at a temperature from about 90° C. to about 220° C. and a pressure from about 350 psig (2.41 MPa) to about 20,000 psig (137.90 MPa) to produce a polypropylene solution;

[0664] (d) purifying said polypropylene solution at a temperature from about 90° C. to about 220° C. and at a pressure from about 350 psig (2.41 MPa) to about 20,000 psig (137.90 MPa) by contacting said polypropylene solution with solid media to produce a purer polypropylene solution; and e. separating a purer polypropylene from said purer polypropylene solution; wherein said second fluid solvent has the same chemical composition or a different chemical composition as the first fluid solvent.

[0665] We incorporate by reference the contents of the following patents and applications, and repurpose the inventions disclosed therein for the specific purpose of purifying reclaimed polypropylene nicotine containers, such as the nicotine containers that are used as the refill bottles for the automatic liquid re-filling system disclosed in PCT / GB2015 / 050571, PCT / GB2016 / 05270 and PCT / GB2019 / 052922, the contents of which are also incorporated by reference: US9834621, US9982066, US9890225, US9695259, US9803035, US10450436, US10442912, US10465058, US10435532, US20190390031, US20190390032, US20190390033, US20190390034.

[0666] Section F Key Features

[0667] In this Section F, we summarise the following Key Features A - I of the vaping device and system described above.

[0668] A. Vaping device that is re-fillable and re-chargeable and has multi-loop temp control

[0669] B. Vaping device with capped charging level

[0670] C. Vaping device pod with flexible liquid channels

[0671] D. Vaping device with re-fill apertures and re-charge contacts and a user-replaceable liquid pod

[0672] E. Vaping device pod with puff counter data store

[0673] F. Vaping device pod that tracks re-filling

[0674] G. Vaping device pod that auto-disables itself

[0675] H. Vaping device with multi -function internal silicone base section

[0676] I. Vaping device with logic-based pressure sensor

[0677] Note that any of these Key Features A - 1 can be combined with any one or more compatible other Key Features A - 1.

[0678] Key Features

[0679] A. Vaping device that is re-fillable and rechargeable and has multi-loop temp control

[0680] A vaping device, including

[0681] (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user;

[0682] (b) a closed loop temperature control system including a microcontroller or chip configured with an inner closed loop temperature control algorithm operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also configured with a second, outer loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint;

[0683] (c) a rechargeable battery;

[0684] (d) a liquid re-filling system configured to automatically re-fill the liquid reservoir in the pod with liquid.

[0685] B. Vaping device with capped charging level

[0686] A vaping device, including

[0687] (a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user;

[0688] (b) a closed loop temperature control system including a microcontroller or chip configured with an inner closed loop temperature control algorithm operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also configured with a second, outer loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint;

[0689] (c) a rechargeable battery;

[0690] (d) a liquid re-filling system configured to automatically re-fill the liquid reservoir in the pod with liquid and to measure or infer the amount of liquid present in the liquid reservoir at the end of a re-filling operation; where the liquid reservoir is configured to be automatically re-filled with liquid multiple times and the rechargeable battery is configured to be automatically re-charged multiple times, at an automatic liquid re-filling and recharging device; and where the maximum charge stored in the rechargeable battery is controlled so that it is insufficient to atomise all of the liquid in the liquid reservoir, present in the liquid reservoir at the end of a re-filling operation. C. Vaping device pod with flexible liquid channels

[0691] A user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of a vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and where the pod includes at least one flexible or deformable liquid aperture or channel that leads to the liquid reservoir in the pod, the flexible or deformable liquid channel or aperture being configured to only open when penetrated by an external filling nozzle and to otherwise seal the liquid reservoir.

[0692] D. Vaping device with re-fill apertures and re-charge contacts and a user-replaceable liquid pod

[0693] A vaping device configured to be automatically re-filled with liquid and also automatically recharged, multiple times and without any disassembly, when inserted or docked whole into an automatic liquid filling device; and a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and the pod further includes (i) at least one channel that leads directly to the liquid reservoir in the pod and is configured to accept an external liquid filling needle from a re-filling device; and the vaping device includes at its base electrical charging contacts and at least one aperture that leads to the channel or channels in the pod.

[0694] E. Vaping device pod with puff counter data store A user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of a vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and where the user-replaceable pod includes a chip or other data store configured to store one or more of the following, or data relating to one or more of the following: the number of puff-seconds of vapour provided by the pod; the number of inhalations of vapour provided by the pod; a number that decreases with each puff-second of vapour provided by the pod; a number that decreases depending on the number of inhalations of vapour provided by the pod; the initial amount of liquid in the pod after the pod has been re-filled but not subsequently used.

[0695] F. Vaping device pod that tracks re-filling

[0696] A user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of a vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and where the user-replaceable pod includes a chip or other data store configured to store one or more of the following, or data relating to one or more of the following: the number of times the pod has been re-filled and the amount of liquid pumped to the pod for each filling; the total amount of liquid filled into the pod, after the pod has been re-filled but not subsequently used.

[0697] G. Vaping device pod that auto-disables itself

[0698] A user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of a vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and where the user-replaceable pod includes a chip or other data store configured to store a flag that is readable to indicate that the pod should not be used; and where the flag is set depending on one or more of the following, or data relating to one or more of the following: the number of puff-seconds of vapour provided by the pod; the number of inhalations of vapour provided by the pod; a number that decreases with each puff-second of vapour provided by the pod; a number that decreases depending on the number of inhalations of vapour provided by the pod; the number of times the pod has been re-filled and the amount of liquid pumped to the pod for each filling; the total amount of liquid filled into the pod, after the pod has been refilled but not subsequently used.

[0699] H. Vaping device with multi-function internal silicone base section

[0700] A vaping device configured to be automatically re-filled with liquid and also automatically recharged, multiple times and without any disassembly, when inserted or docked whole into an automatic liquid filling device; and the device includes a user-replaceable pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the outer casing of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and where the device includes a base section that is a silicone internal base section that includes an air passage that enables air drawn in from an air intake in the vaping device to (i) trigger activation of a pressure sensor and (ii) then pass to an air nozzle or aperture at the base of the opening into which the pod can be slid and then into the pod; and in which the silicone internal base section is also configured to serve several of the following functions: as a seal around liquid injection apertures; as a seal for the pressure sensor; as a seal around charging contacts; and as an air seal to an external base section that the internal base section sits in or on.

[0701] I. Vaping device with logic-based pressure sensor A vaping device including a negative pressure puff sensor, configured when activated to send a control signal to a microcontroller, which controls whether power is sent to a heating element in the device.

[0702] A vaping device including a negative pressure puff sensor, configured when activated to send a control signal to a microcontroller, which controls whether power is sent to a heating element in the device and where the microcontroller is configured with a closed loop temperature control system with an inner closed loop temperature control algorithm operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller is also configured with a second, outer loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint.

[0703] Optional features include any one or more of the following for any one or more of the preceding Key Features A - 1 above, as well as any one or more of Key Features 1 - 15 in earlier Section A. Note that any of these optional features can also be combined with any one or more other compatible optional features.

[0704] Temperature Control

[0705] • the inner control loop and the outer control loop are each closed loops and the microcontroller or chip in the vaping device that implements the closed loop temperature control is configured so that (i) if a measured or inferred second variable is below a second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, and (ii) if the measured or inferred second variable is above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically decreases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

[0706] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of the measured or inferred second variable from the second setpoint by modifying a duty cycle of a PWM circuit or system. • the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the duty cycle of the PWM circuit or system when the temperature setpoint is increased, and to decrease the duty cycle when the temperature setpoint is decreased.

[0707] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the temperature setpoint is automatically adjusted by the difference between the second setpoint and the measured or inferred second variable, multiplied by a factor.

[0708] • the factor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of the heating element.

[0709] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer an average of the second variable in a puff or other parameter, and if the measured or inferred second variable average is below the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically increase the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the next puff or other parameter.

[0710] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that, during the next puff or other parameter, the inner control loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase a duty cycle of a PWM and the microcontroller or chip again measures or infers an average of the second variable in this next puff or other parameter and if the average second variable is still below the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter; and if the average of the second variable is now above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip decreases the temperature setpoint and decreases the duty cycle of the PWM for the following puff or other parameter.

[0711] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer an average of the second variable in a puff or other parameter, and if the average of the second variable is above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically decrease the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the following puff.

[0712] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the measured or inferred second variable is an average of the second variable calculated by using outputs generated by a system MCU for one or more timeslots during which power is delivered.

[0713] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the second variable is an instantaneous value at a number of times for a defined period, such as for an entire single puff, or some other parameter, e.g. a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles. • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the second setpoint is an average of the second variable per puff or other parameter, such as a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

[0714] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if an actual average of the second variable is less over a single puff, or other parameter, by an amount, referred to as the ‘error’, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the temperature setpoint, in the inner temperature control loop, by a pre-set factor, Kp. and the size of this Kpfactor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

[0715] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to limit the temperature setpoint in an acceptable range, namely below 280°C, to prevent burning and to eliminate or substantially reduce the presence of carbonyls and metals in the vapour generated by the heating element, and above approximately 200°C, to ensure that liquid is vapourised, such as approximately 220°C ± 5°C.

[0716] • the microcontroller or chip is configured with one or more further control loops, each with a different type of setpoint.

[0717] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to vary a thermal profile, namely the temperature setpoint and / or second setpoint.

[0718] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a single puff or inhalation.

[0719] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a session of puffs or inhalations.

[0720] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile to optimise any one or more of the following: flavour; dose; intensity; vapour density; plume size; safety; reduction in carbonyls in inhaled vapour; reduction in metals in inhaled vapour; reduction in burning taste; consistency in nicotine delivery; improved taste; longevity of improved taste; overall experience taking into account user preferences and / or liquid supplier preferences.

[0721] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile depending on the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience.

[0722] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile, when heating cannabis oils, to be optimised for the specific blend of terpenes and their different activation temperatures, or the user experience that is desired, such as relaxation, pain control, appetite control, anxiety, physical performance, mental performance.

[0723] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile in a way that ensures consistency of experience over the course of a vaping session.

[0724] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile by lowering the temperature setpoint and / or second setpoint over the course of a session to ensure that there is no over-heating and instead a consistent level of nicotine and / or flavour is generated over the course of the entire session.

[0725] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the duration of a multi-week cessation program, gradually reducing the intensity of one or more of nicotine, CBD, THC or other relevant parameter to ease the transition away from dependency.

[0726] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to enable a user to select the level of vapour output, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

[0727] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically implement different vapour output profiles, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

[0728] • the heating element is one of the following: a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a liquid porous substance, such as a ceramic or foam; a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh; a resistance based heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

[0729] • the vaping device is one of the following: a non-re-fillable vaping device, where the user-replaceable pod is non-refillable; a vaping device, where the user-replaceable pod is refillable; a re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device; an automatically re-fillable vaping device; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user pre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user empty of liquid and not pre-filled with liquid and is user- replaceable.

[0730] • the vaping device includes a pressure drop sensor or a MEMs type negative pressure sensor, and the current for the heating element does not pass through the sensor, but instead passes through a power circuit controlled by the microcontroller, or chip and the sensor provides a control input to the microcontroller or chip.

[0731] • the closed loop temperature control implemented by the microcontroller or chip is configured to deliver one or more of the following: no burning of the heating element; generation of no carbonyls and no aldehydes; generation of no metals; consistent vapour production per puff; the lifetime of the heating element is extended from a few hundred puffs to a useable life of at least 2000 3 second puffs.

[0732] • the vaping device includes a PWM system to deliver power from a power source to the heating element, in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer power delivered to the heating element, and the measured or inferred second variable is power delivered to the heating element and the second setpoint is a power setpoint.

[0733] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the measured or inferred power is below the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

[0734] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the measured or inferred power is above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically decreases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

[0735] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the duty cycle of the PWM when the temperature setpoint is increased, and to decrease the duty cycle when the temperature setpoint is decreased.

[0736] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the temperature setpoint is automatically adjusted by the difference between the power setpoint and the measured or inferred power, multiplied by a factor.

[0737] • the factor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of the heating element.

[0738] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer the average power in a puff or other parameter, and if the measured or inferred power average is below the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically increase the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the next puff or other parameter.

[0739] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that, during the next puff or other parameter, the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase the duty cycle of the PWM and the microcontroller or chip again measures or infers the average power in this next puff or other parameter and if the average power is still below the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter; and if the average power is now above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip decreases the temperature setpoint and decreases the duty cycle of the PWM for the following puff or other parameter.

[0740] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer the average power in a puff or other parameter, and if the average power is above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically decrease the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the following puff.

[0741] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the measured or inferred power is an average power calculated by using the instantaneous V and I generated by a system MCU for one or more timeslots during which power is delivered.

[0742] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the power is an instantaneous power (V x I) a number of times for a defined period, such as for an entire single puff, or some other parameter, e.g. a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

[0743] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the power setpoint is an average power per puff or other parameter, such as a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

[0744] • the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the actual average power used is less over a single puff, or other parameter, by an amount, referred to as the power ‘error’, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the temperature setpoint, in the inner temperature control loop, by a pre-set factor, Kp. and the size of this Kpfactor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

[0745] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to limit the temperature setpoint in an acceptable range: namely below 280°C, to prevent burning and to eliminate or substantially reduce the presence of carbonyls and metals in the vapour generated by the heating element, and above approximately 200°C, to ensure that liquid is vapourised, such as approximately 220°C ± 5°C.

[0746] • the microcontroller or chip is configured with one or more further control loops, each with a different type of setpoint.

[0747] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to vary a thermal profile, namely the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint. • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a single puff or inhalation.

[0748] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a session of puffs or inhalations.

[0749] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile to optimise any one or more of the following: flavour; dose; intensity; vapour density; plume size; safety; reduction in carbonyls in inhaled vapour; reduction in metals in inhaled vapour; reduction in burning taste; consistency in nicotine delivery; improved taste; longevity of improved taste; overall experience taking into account user preferences and / or liquid supplier preferences.

[0750] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile depending on the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience.

[0751] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile, when vaping cannabis oils, to be optimised for the specific blend of terpenes and their different activation temperatures, or the user experience that is desired, such as relaxation, pain control, appetite control, anxiety, physical performance, mental performance.

[0752] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile in a way that ensures consistency of experience over the course of a vaping session.

[0753] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile by lowering the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint over the course of a session to ensure that there is no over-heating and instead a consistent level of nicotine and / or flavour is generated over the course of the entire session.

[0754] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the duration of a multi-week cessation program, gradually reducing the intensity of one or more of: nicotine, CBD, THC, or other relevant parameter, to ease the transition away from dependency.

[0755] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to enable a user to select the level of vapour output including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

[0756] • the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically implement different vapour output profiles, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour. • the heating element is one of the following: a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a liquid porous substance, such as a ceramic or foam; a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh; a resistance based heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

[0757] • the vaping device is one of the following: is a non-re-fillable, where the user- replaceable pod is non-refillable vaping device; a vaping device, where the user- replaceable pod is refillable; a re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device; an automatically re-fillable vaping device; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user pre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user without being pre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable.

[0758] • the closed loop temperature control system implemented by the microcontroller or chip is configured to deliver one or more of the following: no burning of the heating element; generation of no carbonyls and no aldehydes; generation of no metals; consistent vapour production per puff; the lifetime of the heating element is extended from just a few hundred puffs to a useable life of at least 2000 3 second puffs.

[0759] • the outer control loop is configured to compensate for mechanical variations from vaping device to vaping device.

[0760] • the outer control loop is configured to compensate for variations in the charge level of a battery providing power to the heating element.

[0761] PWM based Temp Control

[0762] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate a PWM duty cycle for power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, taking as an input a parameter other than temperature.

[0763] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate a PWM duty cycle for power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as a second control loop. • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, that is configured to operate as an independent control loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm and to generate an output that is used by the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

[0764] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to track the setpoint temperature of the heating element and the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct an error in the tracking of the setpoint temperature by the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

[0765] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct errors or inaccuracies in temperature tracking by the closed loop temperature control algorithm arising from a rise in the temperature of stored atomisable liquid, in thermal contact with the heating element.

[0766] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the device automatically measures the resistance of the heating element and the closed loop temperature control algorithm uses that resistance value.

[0767] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping device automatically measures, or uses a value for, the ambient temperature when measuring the resistance of the heating element in order to create a datapoint to establish the resistance v temperature line or curve for that specific heating element.

[0768] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping device automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for a second temperature, and uses that second resistance value to normalise the operation of the closed loop temperature control algorithm so that the inputs to a PID controller are consistent across different heating elements with different resistance v temperature behaviours.

[0769] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for 0°C or other datum temperature.

[0770] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the algorithm is configured to compensate for the inherent variability in the resistance v temperature response of different heating elements.

[0771] • the a microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; and which enables the vaping device to be automatically fully re-filled with approximately 2mL of liquid at least ten times and for the heating element not to include significant burnt areas even when being used with the tenth full liquid re-fill .

[0772] • the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; and in which the vaping device is suitable for being automatically fully re-filled with approximately 2mL liquid at least fifteen times and for the heating element not to include significant burnt areas even when being used with the fifteenth liquid re-fill .

[0773] Pod refillability the pod is configured to be user re-fillable with liquid. the pod is configured to be user re-fillable by a manual interaction with the vaping device, such as tilting the device or turning the device upside-down. • the pod is configured to be user re-fillable by an automatic interaction or process.

[0774] • the pod is configured to be automatically re-fillable for at least 5,000 puffs or inhalations of 1 second duration, and preferably at least 10,000 puffs or inhalations of 1 second duration or atomising at least 15mL of liquid, and preferably at least 30mL of liquid.

[0775] • the pod is configured to be user non-re-fillable and instead is supplied pre-filled to the end-user.

[0776] Vaping Device shape

[0777] • the body of the vaping device forms a box -format device and the pod and the opening are positioned offset from a centre-line passing through the long axis of the device.

[0778] • the body of the vaping device forms a box-format or rectangular format device in which the width of the body is more than 50% of the height of the body, where the height excludes the mouthpiece.

[0779] • the body of the vaping device forms a box-format or rectangular format device in which the width of the body is 3.5cm to 4cm and the height of the body is 4.5cm to 5.5cm.

[0780] • the body of the vaping device forms a bar-format device and the pod and the opening are positioned along a centre-line passing through the long-axis of the device.

[0781] • the body of the vaping device forms a bar-format device in which the width of the body is less than 50% of the height of the body, where the height excludes the mouthpiece.

[0782] Pod features

[0783] • the outer casing of the pod is generally cylindrical or includes a cylindrical section.

[0784] • the outer casing of the pod is generally cylindrical and configured to slide into a cylindrical aperture in the body of the vaping device.

[0785] • the outer casing of the pod generally rectangular and the pod is configured to be attached to the top of a bar-format vaping device.

[0786] • at least a part of the outer casing of the pod is configured to slide into an aperture in both a box-format vaping device and also a bar-format vaping device.

[0787] • the same pod is configured to be compatible with and be used with both a bar-format vaping device and a box-format vaping device. • the pod is configured to be removable by being slid out of the body of the vaping device when its lifetime is reached, or earlier, and replaced with a fresh pod.

[0788] • the base of the pod includes an air inlet aperture.

[0789] • the base of the pod includes one or more liquid filling apertures.

[0790] • the liquid filling apertures include one or more silicone seals configured to seal around liquid re-filling nozzles inserted into the liquid filling apertures.

[0791] • the liquid filling apertures are positioned around a central air inlet aperture, on opposite sides of a diagonal running through the central air inlet aperture.

[0792] • the liquid reservoir in the pod includes a foam material configured to store the liquid and retard the liquid from leaking from the pod.

[0793] • the pod includes 4 electrical contacts, and two are power for the heating element, and two are for data.

[0794] • the outer casing of the pod includes a lip or feature that rests against a top surface of the body of the vaping device, locating the pod in position.

[0795] The box-format vaping device construction

[0796] • the vaping device includes a body that houses, in a first compartment, the user- replaceable pod, and in a second compartment arranged parallel to the first compartment, a rechargeable battery.

[0797] • the first and the second compartments are mounted on a base section.

[0798] • the base section is a one-piece silicone base section.

[0799] • the first compartment includes one or more re-filling needle openings that line up with one or more re-filling needle channels in the pod.

[0800] • a PCB that includes the microcontroller or chip separates the first compartment from the second compartment and also provides crush resistance for the body of the vaping device.

[0801] • the vaping device includes one or more liquid filling apertures in the base of the device.

[0802] • the vaping device includes charging contacts and one or more liquid filling apertures in the base of the device.

[0803] • the vaping device includes one or more straight channels that lead from the liquid filling apertures in the base of the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod, and that are configured to enable one or more liquid filling nozzles to penetrate the channels to reach the pod liquid reservoir and, for example, to penetrate into a foam material in the pod liquid reservoir, e.g. at least 4mm.

[0804] • the channels open only when penetrated by a liquid filling nozzle and seal closed once the nozzle has been withdrawn.

[0805] • the channels are formed in a one-piece silicone internal base section.

[0806] • the silicone internal base section includes an air passage that enables air drawn in from an air intake in the vaping device to trigger activation of a negative air pressure sensor and then pass up past the heating element.

[0807] • the one-piece silicone internal base section serves several of the following functions: as a lower liquid seal to the pod; as a liquid seal around liquid injection apertures; as an air seal for the pressure sensor; as a liquid seal around charging contacts; as an air seal to an external base section that the internal base section sits in or on.

[0808] Vaping Device operation

[0809] • the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that counts each inhalation and stores a value related to the number of inhalations.

[0810] • the device and / or pod is configured to automatically count or store data relating to the number or extent of inhalations made using the pod.

[0811] • the device and / or pod is configured to automatically count or store data relating to the number or extent of inhalations made using the pod and generate or receive a stop signal when a pre-set number has been reached.

[0812] • the device and / or pod is configured to be inoperative once the stop signal has been generated or received.

[0813] • the pre-set number is at least 1000 1 second inhalations.

[0814] • the pre-set number is at least 10000 1 second inhalations.

[0815] • the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to one or more of the following relating to the liquid in the pod: flavour; nicotine strength; manufacturing date; manufacturing batch number; use by date; tax or revenue stamp or data.

[0816] • the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to a resistance characterisation of the heating element in the pod. the vaping device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint or any other parameters that affect the operation of the control loop or loops

[0817] Multi-pod device

[0818] • the vaping device is configured to receive and store at any one time multiple user- replaceable liquid pods.

[0819] • the vaping device is configured to receive and store four user-replaceable liquid pods.

[0820] • the vaping device includes a mouthpiece that is configured to be rotatable to enable the selection of a specific user-replaceable liquid pod.

[0821] • the vaping device body includes a compartment that is configured to receive and store the multiple pods when those pods are inserted into the compartment.

[0822] • the vaping device body has a long axis and is configured to receive and store the pods when those pods are inserted into the body in a direction parallel to that long axis.

[0823] • the vaping device is configured to receive and store the pods arranged so that each pod is adjacent to at least one other pod.

[0824] • the vaping device is is configured to receive and store the pods arranged so that in use, the pods occupy substantially the entire width of the vaping device body.

[0825] • the vaping device is configured to enable an inhaled vapour to be created using liquid from a single specific user-selected pod inserted into the body.

[0826] • the vaping device is configured to enable an inhaled vapour to be created using liquid from two or more user-selected pods inserted into the vaping device body.

[0827] • the pods are each individually user insertable into the body.

[0828] • the pods are pre-filled and are not user re-fillable.

[0829] • the pods are user re-fillable.

[0830] • each pod is configured to be insertable into the device in only a single orientation.

[0831] • different pods have different flavors of e-liquid.

[0832] • different pods have a different strength of nicotine.

[0833] • at least one pod has zero nicotine.

[0834] Liquid re-filling - with external dock • the vaping device in combination with an automatic liquid filling device including (i) a first aperture or port configured to receive a user replaceable liquid bottle or container containing atomisable liquid; (ii) a second aperture or port configured to receive the vaping device; (iii) an electronic liquid level sensing sub-system; (iv) a liquid filling sub-system configured to transfer or pump liquid from the liquid bottle or container to the liquid reservoir in the pod and (v) a battery charging sub-system to charge a battery in the vaping device.

[0835] • the automatic liquid filling device is automatic by virtue of being configured using the liquid level sensing sub-system to automatically detect when to start and to stop filling the vaping device.

[0836] • the automatic liquid filling device is configured so that the second port or aperture, including the liquid level sensing system, also includes electrical charging contacts, arranged to connect with electrical charging contacts in the vaping device.

[0837] • the automatic liquid filling device is configured with a single port or aperture for both liquid re-filling and also re-charging the vaping device, and the automatic liquid filling device automatically refills first and only starts to charge the vaping device once the liquid reservoir is completely full or full to a pre-set threshold.

[0838] • the automatic liquid filling device is configured with a single port or aperture for both liquid re-filling and also re-charging the vaping device, and the automatic liquid filling device re-fills and re-charges at the same time, and regulates the re-charging to proportionally charge depending on the liquid level measurement.

[0839] • the automatic liquid filling device is configured to receive liquid from an inverted liquid bottle.

[0840] • the automatic liquid filling device is a personal table or desktop device that is configured to re-fill only a single vaping device at a time and includes just one liquid filling port or aperture.

[0841] • the automatic liquid filling device is configured to re-fill two or more vaping devices at a time with liquid and includes two or more liquid filling ports or apertures.

[0842] • the automatic liquid filling device includes multiple liquid filling ports or apertures that are each configured to receive a liquid bottle or container, to enable the liquid filling device to dispense liquids with different flavours, strengths of nicotine, or types of liquids, such as nicotine or CBD liquids. • the automatic liquid filling device is configured for use in a retail environment, such as a shop, bar, club or restaurant and includes a contactless payment reader.

[0843] • the liquid level sensing sub-system is configured to measure data relating to the level or amount of liquid in the pod when on its own or when the pod is in or on the liquid reservoir in the vaping device.

[0844] • the liquid level sensing sub-system is a capacitive liquid level sensing sub-system, and includes capacitive sensing plates with earth-grounded, shielding plates, all arranged in or around a liquid re-filling port or aperture of the filling device.

[0845] • the liquid filling sub-system is an electric or electronic peristaltic pump.

[0846] • the electric or electronic pump is configured to withdraw liquid from a tube or line connecting the pump to the vaping device, after the vaping device has been withdrawn from the liquid filling device.

[0847] • which the electric or electronic pump is configured to reverse pump or pump liquid back into the liquid bottle or container.

[0848] • the electric or electronic pump is configured to reverse pump or pump liquid back into the liquid bottle or container whenever the vaping device is removed from the automatic liquid filling device to reduce or minimise the amount of liquid in the liquid connection tubes to and from the pump to reduce or minimise flavour mixing or contamination when the liquid bottle or container is swapped for a different flavour or type of liquid.

[0849] Liquid re-filling - no external dock

[0850] • the pod is a user re-fillable pod and the vaping device itself includes an electronic liquid level sensing sub-system; and a liquid filling sub-system configured to transfer or pump liquid from a user-replaceable liquid bottle or container attached to the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod.

[0851] • the pod is a user re-fillable pod and the device further includes a gravity-based fluid transfer system that is configured to deliver liquid from a user-replaceable liquid bottle or container attached to the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod when the device is tipped upside down or turned to the approximately horizontal .

[0852] • the pod is a user re-fillable pod and the device includes further includes a gravity -based fluid transfer system that is configured to deliver liquid from the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container to the liquid reservoir in the pod when the device is turned from the upright by approximately 90 degrees or more.

[0853] • the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is a parent reservoir, and the parent reservoir is at least three times larger in capacity than the liquid reservoir in the pod.

[0854] • the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is configured so that it cannot be re-filled by a user.

[0855] • the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is configured to remain inside or attached to the vaping device whilst the vaping device is being vaped.

[0856] The liquid bottle or container

[0857] • the vaping device in combination with a liquid re-filling system that includes a user- replaceable liquid bottle or container configured to re-fill the liquid reservoir in the pod when that pod is at least partly inside or attached to the vaping device or is on its own and not inside or attached to the vaping device, and in which the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is closed by non-removable flexible seal, and in which the liquid reservoir in the pod is connected to the liquid bottle or container during liquid filling.

[0858] • the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container but not in normal use be removed from the container and in which the cap includes on its top surface an aperture that exposes the flexible seal, enabling the seal to be penetrated by a filling nozzle in a refill device, passing through the aperture in the cap, whilst the cap is secured to the bottle or container.

[0859] • the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container but that cannot in normal use be removed from the container and (ii) the flexible liquid, e.g. septa, seal in the cap, or in a neck or mouth of the bottle or container, under the cap, the flexible seal being configured to only open when penetrated by a filling nozzle in the re-fill dock and to otherwise fully seal the neck or mouth of the liquid refill bottle or container.

[0860] • the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that can be attached to the bottle or container but that cannot in normal use be removed from the container and (ii) the flexible seal around a mouth of the bottle or container; and the liquid bottle or container also includes a security chip or other unique identifier that is configured to be checked or verified by an automatic re-filling dock before liquid can be automatically withdrawn from that bottle or container.

[0861] • the liquid bottle or container is a standard size and shape of liquid bottle or container, of a type that is used to manually fill a vaping device that cannot be automatically refilled.

[0862] • the liquid bottle or container is a standard lOmL size and shape of liquid bottle or container.

[0863] • the liquid bottle or container is over lOmL in size, such as 50mL or more in size.

[0864] • the liquid bottle or container includes an air hole that is sealed by a user-removable sticker or tab.

[0865] • the flexible seal includes a slit that is configured to be penetrated by a filling nozzle and to permit air to enter the bottle when liquid is being withdrawn from the bottle.

[0866] • the flexible seal includes two or more layers, where an upper layer is made of a harder material than a lower layer.

[0867] • the flexible seal is rigidly supported by flanges or structures in the bottle to control deformation of the seal when the seal is penetrated by a filling nozzle.

[0868] • the flexible seal is securely fixed in the neck of the bottle or container, preventing removal of the seal and hence preventing re-filling of the bottle or container through its open neck.

[0869] • the liquid bottle or container is sealed with a cap that includes a security feature, such as a one-way ratchet, configured to prevent the cap being removed in normal use and also includes an aperture that exposes the flexible seal, enabling the flexible seal to be penetrated by the filling nozzle whilst the cap is secured to the bottle or container.

[0870] • the bottle or container is closed with a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container, for example with a screw or bayonet thread, but not in normal use to be removed from the container, and in which the cap includes an aperture that exposes the flexible seal, the aperture being in the centre of the exposed top surface of the cap.

[0871] • the liquid bottle or container is a polypropylene bottle made from polypropylene recycled from other liquid bottles that contained atomisable liquid.

[0872] The battery re-charging sub-system • the vaping device in combination with a battery re-charging sub-system that is configured to control the charge or energy delivered to or stored in the vaping device battery so that the charge or energy in the vaping device battery will battery will substantially run out or fall below a threshold needed to drive the heating element above a set temperature, before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid.

[0873] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to monitor or store the charge level of the vaping device battery and the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir, and to regulate the amount of power delivered to or stored in the vaping device battery so that the battery will cease to operate because it has run out of charge, or has fallen below a pre-set level, before the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir falls below a pre-set amount, to thereby prevent the occurrence of dry vaping.

[0874] • the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to control the charge or energy stored in the vaping device battery so that the battery will cease to provide power sufficient to cause a wicking element associated with the heating element to burn before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid.

[0875] • the vaping device is configured to count the number of inhalations made for a known initial quantity of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, and to include a control circuit that disables operation of the vaping device when a preset number of inhalations, which is dependent only on the initial quantity of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, has occurred.

[0876] Connectivity

[0877] • the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data over a low power, wide area network.

[0878] • the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data as an advertising signal, or other signal that does not require a pre-existing data connection with a receiver in the low power, wide area network.

[0879] • the vaping related data describes how the device is being used.

[0880] • the vaping related data describes when the device is being used.

[0881] • the location of the low power, wide area network receiver that receives data from the vaping device defines where the vaping device is being used, e.g., for analytics and for a 'find-my-device' function. • the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining the type of liquid or other tobacco or HnB (heat not burn) substance consumed.

[0882] • the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining whether the amount of vapable substance, such as liquid or tobacco or HnB (heat not bum) substance, remaining in the vaping device is below a threshold.

[0883] • the vaping related data includes puff related data, including the timing and duration of puffs.

[0884] • the vaping device is configured to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter that automatically causes the device to cease operation.

[0885] • the deactivation signal is sent from a transmitter with a limited range, so that devices cease to operate within a defined area, such as a school, or room or area in a school, or a bus or a train or other environment where vaping or smoking is not permitted.

[0886] • the vaping device includes a low power, short range wireless chip or circuit configured to enable the device to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter or beacon, and process that signal to automatically disable itself or cause itself to cease operation.

[0887] • the low power, short range wireless chip is a Bluetooth or BLE chip.

[0888] • the deactivation signal is a directional signal that is blocked or shielded from areas meant to be unaffected by the deactivation signal.

[0889] • the device is configured to cease operation whilst receiving the deactivation signal or for a pre-set time or duration, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

[0890] • the device is configured to cease operation if it fails to detect any wireless signals, to prevent EM shielding of the device from successfully defeating the deactivation signal.

[0891] • the device is configured to generate an alarm, e.g., visual, audio and / or haptic, when disabling itself.

[0892] • the device is configured to send a signal when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.

[0893] • the device is configured to send its MAC address to the local transmitter or beacon when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.

[0894] Pod shipment

[0895] • the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid. • the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid and is then first filled in the destination country at a liquid filing facility, or a retail store, or a web fulfilment facility or by an end-user.

[0896] • the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid and is then first filled in the destination country with the maximum amount of liquid permitted in that country.

[0897] Appendix

[0898] This Appendix is the product specification for the box or bottle format hybrid vaping device, described in Section B and shown in Figures 26 - 43.

[0899] Vaporiser

[0900] • Refillable vaporiser pod slots into a user-replaceable PV- prefilled (at the device manufacturing factory, or at a different facility, e.g. in the destination country) with 2ml of liquid

[0901] • Rechargeable 500mAh battery

[0902] • User-replaceable Pod delivers 5000 - 10000 puffs (1 second a puff)

[0903] • Stainless steel mesh coil inside cotton wick in the user-replaceable pod

[0904] • Foam liquid core in the user-replaceable pod

[0905] • Dual Loop Temperature Control delivering: o Controlled consistent vapour o No burning during puff cycle o Better consistent flavour

[0906] • Safety - Coil shut-off during charging

[0907] • Fill / charge low indicator light (flash for pre-warning)

[0908] • EOL indicator light, (flash for pre-warning), will not stop user vaping if they want to

[0909] • 2x small liquid injection points on the base

[0910] • Mouthpiece

[0911] • lx sticker label wrapped around the main body

[0912] • Compact dimensions

[0913] • Vaporiser packaged in foil seal with cardboard box and warranty leaflet.

[0914] • Pod packaged in foil seal with cardboard box and warranty leaflet

[0915] How does it work?

[0916] • The vaporiser is simply puff activated - no buttons to press. Activation of a puff sensor (e.g. conventional electret negative pressure sensor or more sophisticated MEMs based sensor) sends a logic signal to the microcontroller when it detects negative air pressure (but not positive air pressure, which is not relevant to vape operation). This in turn enables the microcontroller to send power to the heating element. By using the pressure sensor to send a logic control pulse to the microcontroller, which acts as the switch determining whether power is supplied to the heating element or not, we have much more reliable activation of the heating element. (Conventionally, the pressure sensor itself is the switch that determines whether power is supplied to the heating element; when 'on', the power to the heating element flows through this switch, which leads to the switch being much more prone to mis-firings (i.e. activation of power when it should not be applied).

[0917] • During use if the charge level drops to 30% or less then the LED will flash orange during and for 3 seconds after a puff. When it Is 10% or less then the light is consistently on during and for 3 seconds after a puff.

[0918] • EOL indication, when the pod is within 10% of its end of life (e.g. 3000 3 second puff seconds) the EOL indicator (red LED) will flash during and for 3 seconds after a puff. When it has reached its EOL if will be consistently on during and for 3 seconds after an attempted puff

[0919] • To fill simply drop the PV with pod into the USB powered re-filling dock where the pod is automatically refilled.

[0920] Dock

[0921] • USB-C powered dock

[0922] • Front LED lights

[0923] • LED light in bottle port to illuminate liquid

[0924] • Compact dimension - 5cm x 5cm x 5cm

[0925] • lx port to insert vaporiser. Vaporiser can only go in one way

[0926] • lx port for the 10ml liquid bottle

[0927] • Contains: o Micro liquid pump to pump liquid from the bottle to the vaporiser o Smart electronics o Refill nozzle that inserts into the vaporiser o 2x recharge contacts o lx liquid nozzle o Features to lock bottle into dock

[0928] • Dock sold in a card box with USB lead and user manual / warranty.

[0929] How does it work?

[0930] • Plug in the USB

[0931] • Wait for the lights to go green

[0932] • Take the seal off the full bottle

[0933] • Turn it upside down and insert into the bottle port

[0934] • Lock into place

[0935] • Insert vaporiser with mouthpiece facing up, with pod in the vaporiser

[0936] • The 2 nozzles in the dock insert into the 2 holes in the bottom of the vaporiser, and through the integrated silicone seals.

[0937] • Capacitive liquid level sensing is done by 2 integrated metal plates.

[0938] • The lights on the front of the dock will pulse red during the fill

[0939] • Once filled the light will pulse orange as it charges

[0940] • When fully filled and charged the light goes solid green.

[0941] • Pull out the vaporiser and it is ready to go

[0942] Bottle

[0943] • Standard 10ml bottle with ratchet neck

[0944] • Silicone seal

[0945] • PP Cap with hole

[0946] • Bright rip off seal

[0947] • 10ml of e-liquid - 50:50 PG / VG with different flavours and nicotine strengths.

[0948] • 1 sticker label wrapped around the bottle.

[0949] • Bottle sold in standard size card box, with obvious indicator that it’s unique for AYR system.

[0950] How does it work?

[0951] • The seal protects the seal from potential damage and leakage in transit.

[0952] • Once the bottle is inserted cap down on the nozzle, the pump is able to pump liquid out of the bottle and into the vaporiser • Air is able to come back into the seal from around the same seal on the nozzle. Negative pressure pulls air in as it is needed.

[0953] • As it fills a small light illuminates the neck of the bottle to make it easy to see the liquid level.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vaping device including:(a) a user-replaceable liquid pod that includes: (i) a heating element; (ii) a liquid reservoir that provides liquid to the heating element and is surrounded by an outer casing and (iii) a mouthpiece; in which a portion of the pod is configured to be slid or positioned inside an opening in a body of the vaping device by the end-user, keeping the mouthpiece exposed, and to be withdrawn from the opening when a replacement pod is required by the end-user; and(b) a closed loop temperature control system including a microcontroller or chip configured with temperature control algorithm configured as an inner control loop and operable to control a first variable, namely the temperature of the heating element, to reach a setpoint temperature; and in which the microcontroller or chip is also configured with a second, outer control loop that is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of a measured or inferred second variable from a second setpoint.Temperature Control2. The vaping device of Claim 1 in which the inner control loop and the outer control loop are each closed loops and the microcontroller or chip is configured so that (i) if the measured or inferred second variable is below the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, and (ii) if the measured or inferred second variable is above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically decreases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

3. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to modify the inner control loop depending on the variation of the measured or inferred second variable from the second setpoint by modifying a duty cycle of a PWM circuit or system.

4. The vaping device of Claim 3 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the duty cycle of the PWM circuit or system when the temperature setpoint is increased, and to decrease the duty cycle when the temperature setpoint is decreased.

5. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the temperature setpoint is automatically adjusted by the difference between the second setpoint and the measured or inferred second variable, multiplied by a factor.

6. The vaping device of Claim 5 in which the factor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of the heating element.

7. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer an average of the second variable in a puff or other parameter, and if the measured or inferred second variable average is below the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically increase the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the next puff or other parameter.

8. The vaping device of Claim 7 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that, during the next puff or other parameter, the inner control loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase a duty cycle of a PWM and the microcontroller or chip again measures or infers an average of the second variable in this next puff or other parameter and if the average second variable is still below the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter; and if the average of the second variable is now above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip decreases the temperature setpoint and decreases the duty cycle of the PWM for the following puff or other parameter.

9. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer an average of the second variable in a puff or other parameter, and if the average of the second variable is above the second setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically decrease the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the following puff.

10. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the measured or inferred second variable is an average of the second variable calculated by using outputs generated by a system MCU for one or more timeslots during which power is delivered.

11. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the second variable is an instantaneous value at a number of times for a defined period, such as for an entire single puff, or some other parameter, e.g. a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

12. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the second setpoint is an average of the second variable per puff or other parameter, such as a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

13. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if an actual average of the second variable is less over a single puff, or other parameter, by an amount, referred to as the ‘error’, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the temperature setpoint, in the inner temperature control loop, by a preset factor, Kp. and the size of this Kpfactor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

14. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to limit the temperature setpoint in an acceptable range, namely below 280°C, to prevent burning and to eliminate or substantially reduce the presence of carbonyls and metals in the vapour generated by the heating element, and above approximately 200°C, to ensure that liquid is vapourised, such as approximately 220°C ± 5°C.

15. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured with one or more further control loops, each with a different type of setpoint.

16. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to vary a thermal profile, namely the temperature setpoint and / or second setpoint.

17. The vaping device of Claim 16 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a single puff or inhalation.

18. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 17 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a session of puffs or inhalations.

19. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 18 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile to optimise any one or more of the following: flavour; dose; intensity; vapour density; plume size; safety; reduction in carbonyls in inhaled vapour; reduction in metals in inhaled vapour; reduction in burning taste; consistency in nicotine delivery; improved taste; longevity of improved taste; overall experience taking into account user preferences and / or liquid supplier preferences.

20. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 19 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile depending on the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience.

21. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 20 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile, when heating cannabis oils, to be optimised for the specific blend of terpenes and their different activation temperatures, or the user experience that is desired, such as relaxation, pain control, appetite control, anxiety, physical performance, mental performance.

22. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 21 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile in a way that ensures consistency of experience over the course of a vaping session.

23. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 22 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile by lowering the temperature setpoint and / or second setpoint over the course of a session to ensure that there is no over-heating and instead a consistent level of nicotine and / or flavour is generated over the course of the entire session.

24. The vaping device of Claim 16 - 24 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the duration of a multi-week cessation program, gradually reducing the intensity of one or more of nicotine, CBD, THC or other relevant parameter to ease the transition away from dependency.

25. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to enable a user to select the level of vapour output, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

26. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically implement different vapour output profiles, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

27. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the heating element is one of the following: a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a liquid porous substance, such as a ceramic or foam; a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh; a resistance based heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

28. The vaping device of any preceding Claim which is one of the following: a non-re- fi liable vaping device, where the user-replaceable pod is non-refillable; a vaping device, where the user-replaceable pod is refillable; a re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device; an automatically re-fillable vaping device; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user pre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user empty of liquid and not pre-filled with liquid and is user- replaceable.

29. The vaping device of any preceding Claim which includes a pressure drop sensor or a MEMs type negative pressure sensor, and the current for the heating element does not pass through the sensor, but instead passes through a power circuit controlled by the microcontroller, or chip and the sensor provides a control input to the microcontroller or chip.

30. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the closed loop temperature control implemented by the microcontroller or chip is configured to deliver one or more of the following: no burning of the heating element; generation of no carbonyls and no aldehydes; generation of no metals; consistent vapour production per puff; the lifetime of the heating element is extended from a few hundred puffs to a useable life of at least 2000 3 second puffs.

31. The vaping device of Claim 1 further including a PWM system to deliver power from a power source to the heating element, in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer power delivered to the heating element, and the measured or inferred second variable is power delivered to the heating element and the second setpoint is a power setpoint.

32. The vaping device of Claim 31 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the measured or inferred power is below the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically increases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

33. The vaping device of Claim 31 or 32 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the measured or inferred power is above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip automatically decreases the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop.

34. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 33 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the duty cycle of the PWM when the temperature setpoint is increased, and to decrease the duty cycle when the temperature setpoint is decreased.

35. The vaping device of Claim 31- 34 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the temperature setpoint is automatically adjusted by the difference between the power setpoint and the measured or inferred power, multiplied by a factor.

36. The vaping device of Claim 35 in which the factor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of the heating element.

37. The vaping device of Claim 31- 36 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer the average power in a puff or other parameter, and if the measured or inferred power average is below the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically increase the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the next puff or other parameter.

38. The vaping device of Claim 37 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that, during the next puff or other parameter, the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to increase the duty cycle of the PWM and the microcontroller or chip again measures or infers the average power in this next puff or other parameter and if the average power is stillbelow the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip increases the temperature setpoint for the following puff or other parameter; and if the average power is now above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip decreases the temperature setpoint and decreases the duty cycle of the PWM for the following puff or other parameter.

39. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 38 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to measure or infer the average power in a puff or other parameter, and if the average power is above the power setpoint, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically decrease the temperature setpoint used by the inner control loop, for the following puff.

40. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 39 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the measured or inferred power is an average power calculated by using the instantaneous V and I generated by a system MCU for one or more timeslots during which power is delivered.

41. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 40 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the power is an instantaneous power (V x I) a number of times for a defined period, such as for an entire single puff, or some other parameter, e.g. a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

42. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 41 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that the power setpoint is an average power per puff or other parameter, such as a part of a puff, a 16ms cycle, or a set number of 16ms cycles.

43. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 42 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured so that if the actual average power used is less over a single puff, or other parameter, by an amount, referred to as the power ‘error’, then the microcontroller or chip is configured to increase the temperature setpoint, in the inner temperature control loop, by a pre-set factor, Kp. and the size of this Kpfactor is found through testing and experimentation and is dependent on the specific design of heating element.

44. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 43 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to limit the temperature setpoint in an acceptable range: namely below 280°C, to preventburning and to eliminate or substantially reduce the presence of carbonyls and metals in the vapour generated by the heating element, and above approximately 200°C, to ensure that liquid is vapourised, such as approximately 220°C ± 5°C.

45. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 44 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured with one or more further control loops, each with a different type of setpoint.

46. The vaping device of Claim 31- 45 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to vary a thermal profile, namely the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint.

47. The vaping device of Claim 46 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a single puff or inhalation.

48. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 47 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the course of a session of puffs or inhalations.

49. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 48 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile to optimise any one or more of the following: flavour; dose; intensity; vapour density; plume size; safety; reduction in carbonyls in inhaled vapour; reduction in metals in inhaled vapour; reduction in burning taste; consistency in nicotine delivery; improved taste; longevity of improved taste; overall experience taking into account user preferences and / or liquid supplier preferences.

50. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 49 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile depending on the specific liquid used, taking into account one or more of the following: flavour, whether salt-based, PV / VG proportions, to deliver an optimal user experience.

51. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 49 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile, when vaping cannabis oils, to be optimised for the specific blend of terpenes and their different activation temperatures, or the user experience that is desired, such as relaxation, pain control, appetite control, anxiety, physical performance, mental performance.

52. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 51 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile in a way that ensures consistency of experience over the course of a vaping session.

53. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 52 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile by lowering the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint over the course of a session to ensure that there is no over-heating and instead a consistent level of nicotine and / or flavour is generated over the course of the entire session.

54. The vaping device of Claim 46 - 53 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to alter the thermal profile over the duration of a multi-week cessation program, gradually reducing the intensity of one or more of: nicotine, CBD, THC, or other relevant parameter, to ease the transition away from dependency.

55. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 54 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to enable a user to select the level of vapour output, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

56. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 55 in which the microcontroller or chip is configured to automatically implement different vapour output profiles, including one or more of: strength of nicotine, strength of flavour, extent of vapour, density of vapour.

57. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 56 in which the heating element is one of the following: a resistance based heating element with a known or measurable temperature coefficient of resistivity; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer; a resistance based heating coil, mesh or layer contacting a liquid porous substance, such as a ceramic or foam; a resistance based heating flat plate or cylindrical mesh; a resistance based heating flat, stainless steel plate made of 316L stainless steel.

58. The vaping device of Claim 31 - 57 which is one of the following: is a non-re-fillable, where the user-replaceable pod is non-refillable vaping device; a vaping device, where the user- replaceable pod is refillable; a re-fillable and re-chargeable vaping device; an automatically refillable vaping device; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-userpre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable; a pod-based vaping device, where the pod is supplied to the end-user without being pre-filled with liquid and is user-replaceable.

59. The vaping device of Claim 31- 58 in which the closed loop temperature control system implemented by the microcontroller or chip is configured to deliver one or more of the following: no burning of the heating element; generation of no carbonyls and no aldehydes; generation of no metals; consistent vapour production per puff; the lifetime of the heating element is extended from a few hundred puffs to a useable life of at least 2000 3 second puffs.

60. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer control loop is configured to compensate for mechanical variations from vaping device to vaping device.

61. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer control loop is configured to compensate for variations in the charge level of a battery providing power to the heating element.PWM based Temp Control62. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate a PWM duty cycle for power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, taking as an input a parameter other than temperature.

63. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate a PWM duty cycle for power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a closed loop power control algorithm, operating as a second control loop.

64. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chipis also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm, that is configured to operate as an independent control loop to the closed loop temperature control algorithm and to generate an output that is used by the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

65. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the closed loop temperature control algorithm operates to track the setpoint temperature of the heating element and the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct an error in the tracking of the setpoint temperature by the closed loop temperature control algorithm.

66. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the microcontroller or chip is also programmed with a second closed loop control algorithm; and in which the second closed loop control algorithm operates to correct errors or inaccuracies in temperature tracking by the closed loop temperature control algorithm arising from a rise in the temperature of stored atomisable liquid, in thermal contact with the heating element.

67. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the device automatically measures the resistance of the heating element and the closed loop temperature control algorithm uses that resistance value.

68. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping device automatically measures, or uses a value for, the ambient temperature when measuring the resistance of the heating element in order to create a datapoint to establish the resistance v temperature line or curve for that specific heating element.

69. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping device automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for a second temperature, and uses that second resistance value to normalise the operation of the closed loop temperature control algorithm so that the inputs to a PID controller are consistent across different heating elements with different resistance v temperature behaviours.

70. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the vaping automatically calculates or derives a value of the resistance of the heating element for a given setpoint temperature and also for 0°C or other datum temperature.

71. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; in which the algorithm is configured to compensate for the inherent variability in the resistance v temperature response of different heating elements.

72. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; and which enables the vaping device to be automatically fully re-filled with approximately 2mL of liquid at least ten times and for the heating element not to include significant burnt areas even when being used with the tenth full liquid re-fill .

73. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the microcontroller or chip is programmed with a closed loop temperature control algorithm configured to regulate the PWM duty cycle for the power delivered to the heating element; and in which the vaping device is suitable for being automatically fully re-filled with approximately 2mL liquid at least fifteentimes and for the heating element not to include significant burnt areas even when being used with the fifteenth liquid re-fill .Pod refillability74. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be user refillable with liquid.

75. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be user refillable by a manual interaction with the vaping device, such as tilting the device or turning the device upside-down.

76. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be user refillable by an automatic interaction or process.

77. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be automatically re-fillable for at least 5,000 puffs or inhalations of 1 second duration, and preferably at least 10,000 puffs or inhalations of 1 second duration or atomising at least 15mL of liquid, and preferably at least 30mL of liquid.

78. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be user non-re-fillable and instead is supplied pre-filled to the end-user.Vaping Device shape79. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the body of the vaping device forms a box-format device and the pod and the opening are positioned offset from a centre-line passing through the long axis of the device.

80. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the body of the vaping device forms a box-format or rectangular format device in which the width of the body is more than 50% of the height of the body, where the height excludes the mouthpiece.

81. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the body of the vaping device forms a box-format or rectangular format device in which the width of the body is 3.5cm to 4cm and the height of the body is 4.5cm to 5.5cm.

82. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 1 - 78 in which the body of the vaping device forms a bar-format device and the pod and the opening are positioned along a centre-line passing through the long-axis of the device.

83. The vaping device of preceding Claim 82 in which the body of the vaping device forms a bar-format device in which the width of the body is less than 50% of the height of the body, where the height excludes the mouthpiece.Pod features84. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer casing of the pod is generally cylindrical or includes a cylindrical section.

85. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer casing of the pod is generally cylindrical and configured to slide into a cylindrical aperture in the body of the vaping device.

86. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer casing of the pod generally rectangular and the pod is configured to be attached to the top of a bar-format vaping device.

87. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which at least a part of the outer casing of the pod is configured to slide into an aperture in both a box-format vaping device and also a bar-format vaping device.

88. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the same pod is configured to be compatible with and be used with both a bar-format vaping device and a box -format vaping device.

89. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is configured to be removable by being slid out of the body of the vaping device when its lifetime is reached, or earlier, and replaced with a fresh pod.

90. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the base of the pod includes an air inlet aperture.

91. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the base of the pod includes one or more liquid filling apertures.

92. The vaping device of preceding Claim 91 in which the liquid filling apertures include one or more silicone seals configured to seal around liquid re-filling nozzles inserted into the liquid filling apertures.

93. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 91 - 92 in which the liquid filling apertures are positioned around a central air inlet aperture, on opposite sides of a diagonal running through the central air inlet aperture.

94. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the liquid reservoir in the pod includes a foam material configured to store the liquid and retard the liquid from leaking from the pod.

95. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod includes 4 electrical contacts, and two are power for the heating element, and two are for data.

96. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the outer casing of the pod includes a lip or feature that rests against a top surface of the body of the vaping device, locating the pod in position.The box-format vaping device construction97. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the vaping device includes a body that houses, in a first compartment, the user-replaceable pod, and in a second compartment arranged parallel to the first compartment, a rechargeable battery.

98. The vaping device of Claim 97 in which the first and the second compartments are mounted on a base section.

99. The vaping device of Claim 98 in which the base section is a one-piece silicone base section.

100. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 97 - 99 in which the first compartment includes one or more refilling needle openings that line up with one or more refilling needle channels in the pod.

101. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 97 - 100 in which a PCB that includes the microcontroller or chip separates the first compartment from the second compartment and also provides crush resistance for the body of the vaping device.

102. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the vaping device includes one or more liquid filling apertures in the base of the device.

103. The vaping device of any preceding which the vaping device includes charging contacts and one or more liquid filling apertures in the base of the device.

104. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 102 or 103 which the vaping device includes one or more straight channels that lead from the liquid filling apertures in the base of the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod, and that are configured to enable one or more liquid filling nozzles to penetrate the channels to reach the pod liquid reservoir and, for example, to penetrate into a foam material in the pod liquid reservoir, e.g. at least 4mm.

105. The vaping device of preceding Claim 104 in which the channels open only when penetrated by a liquid filling nozzle and seal closed once the nozzle has been withdrawn.

106. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 104 or 105 in which the channels are formed in a one-piece silicone internal base section.

107. The vaping device of preceding Claim 106 in which the silicone internal base section includes an air passage that enables air drawn in from an air intake in the vaping device to trigger activation of a negative air pressure sensor and then pass up past the heating element.

108. The vaping device of preceding Claim 106 or 107 in which the one-piece silicone internal base section serves several of the following functions: as a lower liquid seal to the pod; as a liquid seal around liquid injection apertures; as an air seal for the pressure sensor; as a liquid seal around charging contacts; as an air seal to an external base section that the internal base section sits in or on.Vaping Device operation109. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that counts each inhalation and stores a value related to the number of inhalations.

110. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the device and / or pod is configured to automatically count or store data relating to the number or extent of inhalations made using the pod.

111. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the device and / or pod is configured to automatically count or store data relating to the number or extent of inhalations made using the pod and generate or receive a stop signal when a pre-set number has been reached.

112. The vaping device of preceding Claim 111 in which the device and / or pod is configured to be inoperative once the stop signal has been generated or received.

113. The vaping device of preceding Claim 111 or 112 in which the pre-set number is at least 1000 1 second inhalations.

114. The vaping device of preceding Claim 111 - 113 in which the pre-set number is at least 10000 1 second inhalations.

115. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to one or more of the following relating to the liquid in the pod: flavour; nicotine strength; manufacturing date; manufacturing batch number; use by date; tax or revenue stamp or data.

116. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to a resistance characterisation of the heating element in the pod.

117. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the vaping device and / or pod includes a chip or microcontroller that stores data relating to the temperature setpoint and / or power setpoint or any other parameters that affect the operation of the control loop or loopsMulti-pod device118. The vaping device of any preceding Claim that is configured to receive and store at any one time multiple user-replaceable liquid pods.

119. The vaping device of preceding Claim 118 that is configured to receive and store four user-replaceable liquid pods.

120. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 119 that includes a mouthpiece that is configured to be rotatable to enable the selection of a specific user-replaceable liquid pod.

121. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 120 in which the vaping device body includes a compartment that is configured to receive and store the multiple pods when those pods are inserted into the compartment.

122. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 121 in which the vaping device body has a long axis and is configured to receive and store the pods when those pods are inserted into the body in a direction parallel to that long axis.

123. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 122 that is configured to receive and store the pods arranged so that each pod is adjacent to at least one other pod.

124. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 123 that is configured to receive and store the pods arranged so that in use, the pods occupy substantially the entire width of the vaping device body.

125. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 124 that is configured to enable an inhaled vapour to be created using liquid from a single specific user-selected pod inserted into the body.

126. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 125 that is configured to enable an inhaled vapour to be created using liquid from two or more user-selected pods inserted into the vaping device body.

127. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 126 in which the pods are each individually user insertable into the body.

128. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 127 in which the pods are pre-filled and are not user re-fillable.

129. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 128 in which the pods are user refillable.

130. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 129 in which each pod is configured to be insertable into the device in only a single orientation.

131. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 130 in which different pods have different flavors of e-liquid.

132. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 131 in which different pods have a different strength of nicotine.

133. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 118 - 132 in which at least one pod has zero nicotine.Liquid re-filling - with external dock134. The vaping device of any preceding Claim, in combination with an automatic liquid filling device including (i) a first aperture or port configured to receive a user replaceable liquid bottle or container containing atomisable liquid; (ii) a second aperture or port configured to receive the vaping device; (iii) an electronic liquid level sensing sub-system; (iv) a liquid filling sub-system configured to transfer or pump liquid from the liquid bottle or container to the liquid reservoir in the pod and (v) a battery charging sub-system to charge a battery in the vaping device.

135. The vaping device of preceding Claim 134 in which the automatic liquid filling device is automatic by virtue of being configured using the liquid level sensing sub-system to automatically detect when to start and to stop filling the vaping device.

136. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 135 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured so that the second port or aperture, including the liquid level sensing system, also includes electrical charging contacts, arranged to connect with electrical charging contacts in the vaping device.

137. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 136 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured with a single port or aperture for both liquid re-filling and also recharging the vaping device, and the automatic liquid filling device automatically refills first and only starts to charge the vaping device once the liquid reservoir is completely full or full to a pre-set threshold.

138. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 137 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured with a single port or aperture for both liquid re-filling and also recharging the vaping device, and the automatic liquid filling device re-fills and re-charges at the same time, and regulates the re-charging to proportionally charge depending on the liquid level measurement.

139. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 138 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured to receive liquid from an inverted liquid bottle.

140. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 139 in which the automatic liquid filling device is a personal tabletop or desktop device that is configured to re-fill only a single vaping device at a time and includes just one liquid filling port or aperture.

141. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 140 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured to re-fill two or more vaping devices at a time with liquid and includes two or more liquid filling ports or apertures.

142. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 141 in which the automatic liquid filling device includes multiple liquid filling ports or apertures that are each configured to receive a liquid bottle or container, to enable the liquid filling device to dispense liquids with different flavours, strengths of nicotine, or types of liquids, such as nicotine or CBD liquids.

143. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 141 or 142 in which the automatic liquid filling device is configured for use in a retail environment, such as a shop, bar, club or restaurant and includes a contactless payment reader.

144. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 143 in which the liquid level sensing sub-system is configured to measure data relating to the level or amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir in the pod when on its own or when the pod is in or on the vaping device.

145. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 144 in which the liquid level sensing sub-system is a capacitive liquid level sensing sub-system, and includes capacitive sensing plates with earth-grounded, shielding plates, all arranged in or around a liquid refilling port or aperture of the filling device.The electric or electronic pump146. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 134 - 145 in which the liquid filling subsystem is an electric or electronic peristaltic pump.

147. The vaping device of preceding Claim 146 in which the electric or electronic pump is configured to withdraw liquid from a tube or line connecting the pump to the vaping device, after the vaping device has been withdrawn from the liquid filling device.

148. The vaping device of preceding Claim 146 - 147 in which the electric or electronic pump is configured to reverse pump or pump liquid back into the liquid bottle or container.

149. The vaping device of preceding Claim 146 - 148 in which the electric or electronic pump is configured to reverse pump or pump liquid back into the liquid bottle or container whenever the vaping device is removed from the automatic liquid filling device to reduce or minimise the amount of liquid in the liquid connection tubes to and from the pump to reduce or minimise flavour mixing or contamination when the liquid bottle or container is swapped for a different flavour or type of liquid.Liquid re-filling - no external dock150. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 1 - 133 in which the pod is a user-refillable pod and the vaping device itself includes an electronic liquid level sensing sub-system; and a liquid filling sub-system configured to transfer or pump liquid from a user-replaceable liquid bottle or container attached to the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod.

151. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is a user-refillable pod and the device further includes a gravity-based fluid transfer system that is configured to deliver liquid from a user-replaceable liquid bottle or container attached to the vaping device to the liquid reservoir in the pod when the device is tipped upside down or turned to the approximately horizontal .

152. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 151 in which the pod is a user-refillable pod and the device includes further includes a gravity -based fluid transfer system that is configured to deliver liquid from the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container to the liquid reservoir in the pod when the device is turned from the upright by approximately 90 degrees or more.

153. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 150 - 152 in which the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is a parent reservoir, and the parent reservoir is at least three times larger in capacity than the liquid reservoir in the pod.

154. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 150 or 153 in which the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is configured so that it cannot be re-filled by a user.

155. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 150 - 154 in which the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is configured to remain inside or attached to the vaping device whilst the vaping device is being vaped.The liquid bottle or container156. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in combination with a liquid refilling system that includes a user-replaceable liquid bottle or container configured to re-fill the liquid reservoir in the pod when that pod is at least partly inside or attached to the vaping device or is on its own and not inside or attached to the vaping device, and in which the user-replaceable liquid bottle or container is closed by non-removable flexible seal, and in which the liquid reservoir in the pod is connected to the liquid bottle or container during liquid filling.

157. The vaping device of preceding Claim 156 in which the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container but not in normal use be removed from the container and in which the cap includes on its top surface an aperture that exposes the flexible seal, enabling the seal to be penetrated by a filling nozzle in a refill device, passing through the aperture in the cap, whilst the cap is secured to the bottle or container.

158. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 157 in which the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container but that cannot in normal use be removed from the container and (ii) the flexible liquid, e.g. septa, seal in the cap, or in a neck or mouth of the bottle or container, under the cap, the flexible seal being configured to only open when penetrated by a filling nozzle in the re-fill dock and to otherwise fully seal the neck or mouth of the liquid refill bottle or container.

159. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 158 in which the liquid bottle or container includes (i) a cap that can be attached to the bottle or container but that cannot in normal use be removed from the container and (ii) the flexible seal around a mouth of the bottle or container; and the liquid bottle or container also includes a security chip or otherunique identifier that is configured to be checked or verified by an automatic re-filling dock before liquid can be automatically withdrawn from that bottle or container.

160. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 159 in which the liquid bottle or container is a standard size and shape of liquid bottle or container, of a type that is used to manually fill a vaping device that cannot be automatically re-filled.

161. The vaping device of preceding Claim 160 in which the liquid bottle or container is a standard lOmL size and shape of liquid bottle or container.

162. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 160 in which the liquid bottle or container is over lOmL in size, such as 50mL or more in size.

163. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 162 in which the liquid bottle or container includes an air hole that is sealed by a user-removable sticker or tab.

164. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 163 in which the flexible seal includes a slit that is configured to be penetrated by a filling nozzle and to permit air to enter the bottle when liquid is being withdrawn from the bottle.

165. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 164 in which the flexible seal includes two or more layers, where an upper layer is made of a harder material than a lower layer.

166. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 165 in which the flexible seal is rigidly supported by flanges or structures in the bottle to control deformation of the seal when the seal is penetrated by a filling nozzle.

167. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 166 in which the flexible seal is securely fixed in the neck of the bottle or container, preventing removal of the seal and hence preventing re-filling of the bottle or container through its open neck.

168. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 167 in which the liquid bottle or container is sealed with a cap that includes a security feature, such as a one-way ratchet, configured to prevent the cap being removed in normal use and also includes an aperture thatexposes the flexible seal, enabling the flexible seal to be penetrated by the filling nozzle whilst the cap is secured to the bottle or container.

169. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 168 in which the bottle or container is closed with a cap that is configured to be attached to the bottle or container, for example with a screw or bayonet thread, but not in normal use to be removed from the container, and in which the cap includes an aperture that exposes the flexible seal, the aperture being in the centre of the exposed top surface of the cap.

170. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 156 - 169 in which the liquid bottle or container is a polypropylene bottle made from polypropylene recycled from other liquid bottles that contained atomisable liquid.The battery re-charging sub-system171. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in combination with a battery re-charging sub-system that is configured to control the charge or energy delivered to or stored in a vaping device battery so that the charge or energy in the vaping device battery will substantially run out or fall below a threshold needed to drive the heating element above a set temperature, before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid.

172. The vaping device of preceding Claim 171 in which the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to monitor or store the charge level of the vaping device battery and the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir, and to regulate the amount of power delivered to or stored in the vaping device battery so that the battery will cease to operate because it has run out of charge, or has fallen below a pre-set level, before the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir falls below a pre-set amount, to thereby prevent the occurrence of dry vaping.

173. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 171 - 172 in which the battery re-charging sub-system is configured to control the charge or energy stored in the vaping device battery so that the battery will cease to provide power sufficient to cause a wicking element associated with the heating element to bum before the liquid reservoir runs out of liquid.

174. The vaping device of preceding Claim 171 in which the vaping device is configured to count the number of inhalations made for a known initial quantity of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, and to include a control circuit that disables operation of the vaping device when a preset number of inhalations, which is dependent only on the initial quantity of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, has occurred.Connectivity175. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data over a low power, wide area network.

176. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 175 in which the vaping device automatically and without user interaction sends or broadcasts vaping related data as an advertising signal, or other signal that does not require a pre-existing data connection with a receiver in the low power, wide area network.

177. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 175 - 176 in which the vaping related data describes how the device is being used.

178. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 175 - 177 in which the vaping related data describes when the device is being used.

179. The vaping device of any preceding Claim 175 - 178 in which the location of the low power, wide area network receiver that receives data from the vaping device defines where the vaping device is being used, e.g., for analytics and for a 'fmd-my-device' function.

180. The vaping device of preceding Claim 175 - 179 in which the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining the type of liquid or other tobacco or HnB (heat not burn) substance consumed.

181. The vaping device of preceding Claim 175 - 180 in which the vaping related data includes vaping consumption data defining whether the amount of vapable substance, such asliquid or tobacco or HnB (heat not burn) substance, remaining in the vaping device is below a threshold.

182. The vaping device of preceding Claim 175 - 181 in which the vaping related data includes puff related data, including the timing and duration of puffs.

183. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the vaping device is configured to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter that automatically causes the device to cease operation.

184. The vaping device of preceding Claim 183 in which the deactivation signal is sent from a transmitter with a limited range, so that devices cease to operate within a defined area, such as a school, or room or area in a school, or a bus or a train or other environment where vaping or smoking is not permitted.

185. The vaping device of preceding Claim 184 in which the vaping device includes a low power, short range wireless chip or circuit configured to enable the device to receive a deactivation signal from a local transmitter or beacon, and process that signal to automatically disable itself or cause itself to cease operation.

186. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 in which the low power, short range wireless chip is a Bluetooth or BLE chip.

187. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 186 in which the deactivation signal is a directional signal that is blocked or shielded from areas meant to be unaffected by the deactivation signal.

188. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 187 in which the device is configured to cease operation whilst receiving the deactivation signal or for a pre-set time or duration, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

189. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 188 in which the device is configured to cease operation if it fails to detect any wireless signals, to prevent EM shielding of the device from successfully defeating the deactivation signal.

190. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 189 in which the device is configured to generate an alarm, e.g., visual, audio and / or haptic, when disabling itself.

191. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 190 in which the device is configured to send a signal when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.

192. The vaping device of preceding Claim 185 - 191 in which the device is configured to send its MAC address to the local transmitter or beacon when automatically disabling itself or causing itself to cease operation.Pod shipment193. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid.

194. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid and is then first filled in the destination country at a liquid filing facility, or a retail store, or a web fulfilment facility or by an end-user.

195. The vaping device of any preceding Claim in which the pod is shipped from its manufacturing factory to a destination country unfilled with liquid and is then first filled in the destination country with the maximum amount of liquid permitted in that country.

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