Electronic vaporizer with modular combinable cartridges

Abstract

A vape device is disclosed with modular, combinable cartridges(104, 106, 108). The vape device includes a body (110) that accepts multiple cartridges in serial, such that a first cartridge connects to a body of the device, a second cartridge connects to the first cartridge, etc. The vape device includes multiple independent circuits and a controller (206) configured to power the multiple independent circuits, each of which corresponds to one or more of the serially connected cartridges. The particular cartridges can include various substances, such that a product of the vape device is controlled by the cartridges attached and the power applied to the cartridges during inhalation.

Description

1WRED.001WG PATENTELECTRONIC VAPORIZER WITH MODULAR COMBINABLE CARTRIDGESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The features disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the inventions described herein and not to limit the scope thereof.

[0002] FIGS. 1A-1B depict top-front and bottom-back perspective views of an embodiment device, respectively.

[0003] FIG. 2 shows a section view along a long axis of the embodiment device of FIGS. 1A-1B, from the top to the bottom of the device and intersecting with the button of the device in FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0004] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative circuit layout for the embodiment device of FIGS. 1 A-1B.

[0005] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of certain components of the device of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0006] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative airflow path of the embodiment device of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0007] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative environment for configuration of the embodiment device of FIGS. 1A-1B.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Generally described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to an electronic vaporizer device with modular combinable cartridges. As used herein, a vaporizer device refers to a device that vaporizes a substance for inhalation. Often, vaporizer devices (sometimes referred to herein as simply a “vaporizer”, and also referred to in some instances as a “vape pen,” a “vape,” or an “e-cigarette”) are configured to accept a cartridge holding the substance, such that the substance being vaporized (or aerosolized) may be modified by change the cartridge. For example, different cartridges may contain different psychoactive ingredients (e.g., tobacco or cannabis) and different flavorings, such that a user may select their desired substance from a variety offered. However, it is typically difficult to create customized blendsof substances, as such cartridges are typically mass produced and sealed from the user (e.g., for safety reasons). Embodiments of the present disclosure address this problem by providing a vaporizer device configured to vaporize substances from multiple cartridges simultaneously. Each cartridge illustratively includes an atomizer to atomize a substance within the cartridge within a flow chamber. In one embodiment, the cartridges are arranged linearly such that the flow chambers of each cartridge form a flow path, and such that inhalation from a mouthpiece attached to a final cartridge causes air to flow from an intake (e.g., prior to the first cartridge), through the flow path, and to the mouthpiece. The atomizer in each cartridge can vaporize the substance of the cartridge, such that air flowing along the flow path is collects material (e.g., aerosolized substance, vapors, etc.) from each cartridge. As a result, inhaling from the mouthpiece provides air combining material from each cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridges are modular, such that the vaporizer device can function when the flow path includes one cartridge, two cartridges, three cartridges, etc. Illustratively, the vaporizer may include a battery and electrical connections for passing electrical power to each attached cartridge, as well as a controller configured to selectively apply electrical power to each cartridge, thus adjusting the amount of material created within the flow chamber of the cartridge. In this way, the influence of each cartridge on a final inhaled product can be dynamically modified. In one embodiment, each cartridge is of a different type. For example, a first cartridge may include psychoactive material (e.g., nicotine or cannabis, include particular types of such material), a second cartridge may include a flavorant, and a third cartridge may include supplemental material (e.g., a dietary supplement, another psychoactive material, another flavorant, etc.). Accordingly, by combination of different types of cartridges, users may create a plethora of inhalation experiences.

[0009] An example embodiment of a vaporizer device as disclosed herein is shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, which depict opposing perspective views of the illustrative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the illustrative embodiment includes a mouthpiece 102, three cartridges 104, 106, and 108, and a body 110. Internally, the vaporizer device includes a battery or other power source that electronically powers atomizers within the respective cartridges 104, 106, and 108, atomizing respective substances within the cartridges 104, 106, and 108. The body 110 of the vaporizer device includes a button 112 to selectively power the atomizers. Once powered, a user may inhale through an outlet 116 of the mouthpiece, causingair to move from air inlets positioned on the body 110 prior to the initial cartridge 108, through the cartridges 108, 106, and 104 respectively, and out the outlet 116. As noted above, each cartridge may have a different substance, such as a psychoactive substance, a flavorant, and a supplemental substance respectively. Accordingly, by combination of different cartridges, a user may customize their desired inhalation mixture.

[0010] In FIGS. 1A-1B, the vaporizer device includes a communication port 114, such as a universal serial bus (USB) type port. In FIG. IB, the communication port 114 is a USB type C port, providing for both power and data transfer. In other embodiments, the vaporizer device may include additional or alternative communication paths, including other types of communication ports and wireless communication devices (e.g., WiFi™, BLUETOOTH™, or Near- Field Communication (NFC)). Illustratively, a battery within the device may be charged by way of power obtained through the port 114. In one embodiment, a controller (e.g., a processor and memory) within the device controls functionality of the button 112, such as an amount, timing, or other characteristics of power delivered to each cartridge 104, 106, and 108. The controller is illustratively programmable (e.g., via port 114) to modify functionality of the button 112. The controller may modify various aspects of the power provided to each cartridge when pressing the button 112, such as by modifying voltage, current, or timing of the power. For example, a user may specify that more power should be provided to a given cartridge, to modify a relative amount of substance from the cartridge in the final air mixture. Accordingly, the relative contribution of each cartridge to a final product can be user controllable. In some instances, different inputs to the button 112 may modify how power is supplied to the cartridges. For example, one input pattern (e.g., a sequence of long and / or short presses) may cause one power output, another input pattern may cause another power output, etc. As an illustration, a user-defined input pattern may cause the vaporizer device to disable power to a given cartridge, enabling the device to function as if such a cartridge were not installed.

[0011] While shown with three cartridges, the vaporizer device in FIGS. 1A-1B may include fewer or more cartridges (e.g., 2, 4, 5, etc.). In one embodiment, the vaporizer device is modular, such that the body 110 can support a varying number of cartridges, dependent on user configuration of the device. For example, a user may configure the device with one cartridge, two cartridges, or three cartridges, which may cause the body 110 to powerthe attached cartridges to provide a desired output mixture. Each cartridge illustratively attaches to the body 110 or to other cartridges using a fastener, such as threading, push connectors, or the like. Similarly, the mouthpiece illustratively attaches to the cartridge 104 using a fastener. In one embodiment, fasteners for the mouthpiece 102, cartridges 104, 106, and 108 and the body 110 are interchangeable and interconnectable, such that each cartridge 104, 106, and 108 may attach to the body 110 or another cartridge, such that the mouthpiece 102 can attach to any cartridge 104, 106, 108, etc. In another embodiment, fasteners for the mouthpiece 102 or different cartridges 104, 106, and 108 may be non-interchangeable and non- interconnectable, such as by varying in diameter, threading, connection pattern, etc. Illustratively, the body-adjacent cartridge 108 may fasten to the body 110 using a first fastener type, the subsequent cartridge 106 may fasten to the cartridge 108 using a second fastener type, etc. Such a configuration may limit the possible configurations in order to ensure proper operation of the device. For example, the cartridge 108 may represent a particular type of cartridge (e.g., holding a particular substance) that is required for correct operation of the device. Accordingly, varying the fasteners between components of the device can provide for enforcing specific combinations of cartridges during use.

[0012] While FIGS. 1A-1B depict one embodiment of a vaporizer device, others are possible, as are modifications to the device shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. For example, the device may include other inputs (e.g., additional buttons, switches, toggles, etc.). As another example, a device may in some cases include additional outputs, such as display screens. The controller may illustratively utilize such inputs and outputs to enable on-device configuration of device functionality. As discussed in more detail below, the device may additionally or alternatively be configurable via the communication port 114 or other communication path, such as via an external computing device, including a smart phone.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a section view of the illustrative device of FIGS. 1A-1B along the central axis of the device. As shown in FIG. 2, a mouthpiece is provided as an output for the flow path through the cartridges. The mouthpiece is illustratively made of an element or elements suitable for direct human contact, such as inert, food-safe materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, food-safe metals (e.g., stainless steel), silicones, glasses, plastics, etc. In some instances, the mouthpiece is integrated with a cartridge (e.g., manufactured as a single unit). In other instances, the mouthpiece is separate from cartridges,and designed to be reused repeatedly. For example, the mouthpiece can include a suitable fastener, such as a 510 connection screw, configured to connect to a corresponding fastener, such as a 510 connection nut, in a cartridge.

[0014] Each cartridge can be formed of elements including a top fastener, a substance container, an atomizer, and a bottom fastener. For example, in FIG. 2, each cartridge includes a 510 connector nut as a top fastener, silicone and glass container containing a substance to be vaporized, an atomizer to vaporize the substance, and a 510 connector screw. The mouthpiece similarly includes a 510 connector screw, while the body contains a 510 connector nut. While 510 connectors are depicted in FIG. 2, different connection types may additionally or alternatively be used. Moreover, while FIG. 2 depicts the use of glass and silicone in construction of a cartridge, other suitable elements may be used. Suitable elements include, for example, heat resistant materials that are suitable for direct human contact and direct contact with inhaled substances (e.g., inert, food-safe materials), such as certain metals, woods, and plastics. In one embodiment, the cartridge is at least partially transparent, to enable a user to visually ascertain a fill level of the cartridge.

[0015] The atomizer of each cartridge can be made of any suitable resistive material, such as ceramic, quartz, or the like. Each cartridge can include a reservoir including a substance to be vaporized and exposing the substance to the atomizer. In some instances, the atomizer includes a wick or similar element to draw the substance to a heating element. In other instances, no wick is included (e.g., the substance may be in direct contact with the heating element). In some instances, cartridges are sealed during manufacture, such that substance in the cartridge cannot be altered after manufacture. In other instances, cartridges are resealable, such that the substance can be loaded and unloaded by a user.

[0016] As noted above, each cartridge includes a flow chamber such that air may pass through the flow chamber across the atomizer and allowing vaporized substance to enter the air. The body illustratively includes an intake prior to an initial cartridge to enable air to enter the flow chamber of a first cartridge, through the flow chamber to a flow chamber of a second cartridge, etc., until the air enters the flow chamber of the mouthpiece, at which point it can be inhaled via the output of the mouthpiece.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, each cartridge includes an electrode assembly enabling power to flow from the body of the device. For example, each cartridge can include a terminal,contact, or pin configured to seat against and make a conductive connection to a corresponding terminal, contact, or pin in an adjoining element of the device (e.g., the body or another cartridge) when seated together (e.g., via use of a 510 screw and nut). Accordingly, when a first cartridge is seated into the body, power may flow from the battery of the device into the atomizer of the first cartridge. When a second cartridge is seated into the first cartridge, power may flow from the battery of the device, through the first cartridge, and into an atomizer of the second cartridge. One or more subsequent cartridges may be similarly configured.

[0018] In one embodiment, the body has n independent circuits, supporting n supplies of power to various cartridges, where n varies across embodiments but may be 2, 3, or more. A cartridge may include a circuit connected to an atomizer of the cartridge, as well as one or more passthrough circuits with no active componentry. In one instance, the number of passthrough circuits is n- 1. That is, each cartridge may be configured to connect an atomizer of that cartridge to a first circuit from the device body and to pass through remaining circuits to subsequent cartridges. In another instance, the number of passthrough circuits may vary according to a position that the cartridge is configured to assume in an assembled device. For example, a cartridge configured for use as an initial cartridge may include n-1 passthrough circuits, a cartridge configured for use as a second cartridge may include n-2 passthrough circuits, a cartridge configured for use as a third cartridge may include n-3 passthrough circuits, etc.

[0019] FIG. 3 depicts illustrative logical circuit layouts for a device containing three independent circuits. In FIG. 3, positive line are shown in solid lining and negative lines are shown in dashed lining. A battery 304 provides power to a control device 306, which in turn provides power to three independent circuits powering respective atomizers 308 of cartridges 104, 106, and 108. Terminals, pins, or other conductive connections are shown as darkened circles, indicating an unbroken electrical connection between adjacent horizontal connections when corresponding elements are mechanically fastened (e.g., via 510 screw and pin). That is, the top line (a neutral line) connects the control circuit 306 to the corresponding top neutral line in each cartridge 104, 106, and 108 in both embodiments shown in FIG. 3, device 302A and device 302B. A second line (counted vertically from a top of FIG. 3) of the body 110 connects to a corresponding second line in an initial cartridge 108, etc. Note that atomizers 308 of FIG. 3 are of different shapes merely for ease of illustration, which is notintended to imply that atomizers 308 necessarily differ among cartridges (though in some embodiments they may).

[0020] As discussed above, power from the battery 304 to the circuits can be controlled by a control device 306 (e.g., a processor and memory) programmable to provide different power configurations to each circuit. A device can include a charging port, such as a USB type C port, to charge the battery 304 and enable configuration of the control device 306. The battery 304 is illustratively sized and configured to provide sufficient power to each circuit to power atomizers 308 of each cartridge 104-108 while maintaining portability and ease of use of the device 302. The battery 304 is illustratively rechargeable via a port of the device 302, such as a USB type C port. Power can be selectively transmitted from the battery 304 to the atomizer 308-connected circuits of the cartridges 104-108 by input to the device 302, such as via a button.

[0021] In a first embodiment device 302A, a physical location of each positive line is static among the body 110 and cartridges 104-108 with respect to a long axis of the device 302A, with each distinct positive line corresponding to an atomizer 308-connected circuit for a respective cartridge. That is, each line has a position with respect to the long axis of the device 302A, shown as a vertical position in FIG. 3, and each different cartridge 104-108 is configured to connect its atomizer to a positive line at a different position. These vertical positions are designated one through four herein for purposes of description. As shown in FIG. 3, a line at a second position (counted vertically from a top of FIG. 3) of the body 110 connects to a corresponding line at the second position in an initial cartridge 108 and powers the atomizer 308 of the cartridge, while third and fourth lines of the body 110 (at positions three and four) connect to corresponding passthrough circuits on the initial cartridge 108. The second cartridge 106 lacks a connection at the second position, and includes an atomizer 308- connected positive line at the third position and a passthrough line at the fourth position. The third cartridge 108 lacks connections at the second and third positions, and includes an atomizer 308 positive line at the fourth position. Thus, the second position on the body 110 corresponds to a positive line for an initial cartridge 108, a third position on the body 110 corresponds to a positive line for a second cartridge 106, a fourth position on the body 110 corresponds to a positive line for a tertiary cartridge 104, and first position on the body 110 corresponds to a neutral line for all cartridges 104-108. Note that the positions and number oflines in device 302A, and in FIG. 3 generally, is intended as illustrative and may vary across embodiments.

[0022] The configuration of device 302A may advantageously provide for an enforced ordering of cartridges 104-108 in an assembled device. For example, in the device 302A, the lack of a passthrough circuit in cartridge 106 at the second position can render inoperable the cartridge 108 if attached subsequent to cartridge 106 relative to the body 110. Similarly, the lack of a passthrough circuits in cartridge 104 can render inoperable any other cartridges if attached subsequent to cartridge 104 relative to the body 110. In another embodiment, each cartridge includes passthrough circuits for any non-atomizer 308-connected circuits, enabling cartridges to be attached to body in any order. In this embodiment, each circuit position can illustratively correspond to a particular cartridge type (e.g., a circuit for psychoactive substances, a circuit for flavorants, a circuit for supplemental substances, etc.) and a cartridge of a given type can include a connection for an atomizer-connected circuit at the corresponding position, and passthrough circuit connections at remaining locations.

[0023] FIG. 3 also depicts another embodiment as device 302B. In the embodiment of device 302B, each cartridges modifies the position of each circuit from a preceding to a subsequent element. Specifically, in FIG. 3, an atomizer 308-connected circuit is at a first position of each cartridge, and each passthrough circuit is shifted up a position as between the base connection (oriented toward the body 100) and head connection (oriented toward a subsequent cartridge). As such, the atomizer 308-connected circuit of a second cartridge 106, at a first position in the base of the second cartridge 106, is electrically connected to the circuit at the second position on the body 110. Similarly, the atomizer 308-connected circuit of a third cartridge 104, at a first position in the base of the third cartridge 106, is electrically connected to the circuit at the third position on the body 110. Such a configuration may illustratively simplify manufacturer of cartridges, as the atomizer 308-connected circuit of each cartridge 104-108 may be similar or identical. As in device 302B, some cartridges lack passthrough connections for specific positions; however, in other embodiments such passthrough connections can be included. For example, cartridge 106 in device 302B may include a passthrough connection from a fourth position at its base to a third position at its head, cartridge 104 in device 302B may include a passthrough connection from a third position at its base toa second position at its head and at a fourth position at its base to a third position at its head, etc.

[0024] The devices 302A and 302B of FIG. 3 include three independent circuits. However, any number of circuits is possible. In FIG. 3, devices 302A and 302B each cartridge 104-108 does not pass through the atomizer-connected circuit of the cartridge. However, in other embodiments, a cartridge may pass through the atomizer-connected circuit at a different location (e.g., at a shifted location, such as outputting the atomizer-connected circuit at an zzth location, where the device supports n independent circuits).

[0025] The devices 302A and 302B of FIG. 3 include atomizers 308 controlled by a control device 306. However, in some embodiments each cartridge 104-108 further includes a cartridge control device (e.g., co-located with an atomizer 308 in the respective cartridge) and communicatively disposed between the control device 306 and the atomizer 308. In one example, the cartridge control device is an integrated circuit (IC). In such configuration, each independent circuit may pass both power and data to a respective cartridge, and the cartridge control device may be configured to utilize configuration data obtained from the control device 306 to control operation of the atomizer 308 in a given cartridge. That is, the control device 306 may not be required to independently modulate power to respective cartridges, but may instead direct each cartridge control device in a desired vapor level to be produced by a cartridge, and each cartridge control device may be configured to modulate power to an atomizer 308 in the cartridge to produce the desired vapor level.

[0026] In some instances, use of cartridge control device may reduce or eliminate a need for independent circuitry between cartridges. For example, in embodiments utilizing a cartridge control device within each cartridge 104-108, the devices 302A and 302B may include a single power bus and a single communication bus (or a single bus combining power and communication delivery). Each cartridge control device may be configured to communicatively attach to such unified bus or buses when mechanically coupled to the body. Each cartridge may further pass through the unified bus or buses to subsequent cartridges within a series. The cartridge control device may then obtain cartridge- specific configuration from the controller from the unified communication bus and modulate power from the unified power bus to an atomizer 308 of the cartridge to selectively control vapor production withinthe cartridge 104-108. Such a configuration may simplify circuitry within the devices 302 A and 302B.

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the body 110, cartridges 104, 106, and 108, and mouthpiece 102 in the illustrative device of FIGS. 1A-1B. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the body 110, cartridges 104, 106, and 108, and mouthpiece are illustratively separable and independently replaceable. For example, the body 110 and mouthpiece 102 may be configured for reuse, whereas cartridges 104, 106, 108 may be single use. In other instances, all components may be configured for reuse, and a user may configure the device to vaporize different substances according to the specific cartridges attached to the body. As noted above, different cartridges may contain different substances, with a final air / vapor mixture provided by the device being controlled according to the cartridges used and the power applied to atomizers of such cartridges. In one embodiment, the size of a cartridge can vary according to the contents of the cartridge and the desired contribution of the cartridge to a final air / vapor mixture produced by the device. For example, a longer cartridge (along the body-to- mouthpiece axis of the device) may provide for a longer flow chamber within the cartridge, and increased vaporization of substance within the cartridge during use. Conversely, a shorter cartridge may include a shorter flow chamber and thus reduce contribution of the cartridge to a final product.

[0028] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative air flow path of the illustrative device of FIGS. 1 A-1B. As shown in FIG. 5, during inhalation from the mouthpiece 102, air flows from intakes 402 in the device body 110 through a flow chamber 404 of each cartridge 104-108 (shown as chambers 404A-C) and to an outlet 116 in the mouthpiece 102. The flow chambers 404 of each cartridges are aligned such that when mechanically connected, the flow chambers 404 form a continuous flow path. The flow chamber 404 of each cartridge 104-108 is illustratively exposed to an atomizer of the cartridge 104-108, such that air moving through the flow path is exposed to vaporized substance of the cartridge, creating an air / vapor mixture that is expelled via the output 116. In one embodiment, varying power to each cartridge 104- 108 modifies the amount of vapor created by respective atomizers, thus modifying an amount of vapor contributed by each cartridge 104-108 and providing for user control of the content of the final air / vapor mixture at the output 116.

[0029] In FIG. 5, each cartridge 104-108 is shown to have a linear flow chamber of static diameter. In other embodiments, one or more cartridges may include a non-linear flow chamber, which may modify how air flows through the chamber (e.g., via induced turbulence) and thus modify how the air mixes with vapor of the cartridge. In some embodiments, a flow chamber may have a varying diameter, or the diameter of a flow chamber may vary among cartridges 104-108, similarly enabling control of how vapor mixes with the air.

[0030] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative environment in which a device 610 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured for use. The device 610 may correspond to any of the foregoing embodiments of devices. As noted above, the device 610 can include a physical communication port or wireless communication module enabling communication with an external computing device, such as a smartphone 620. While FIG. 6 depicts a smartphone, other computing devices, such as laptops, tablets, desktops, and the like are possible. Accordingly, a communication path 602 is established enabling the smartphone 620 to communicate with the device 610, which may include a processor and memory accessible via the communication path 602. In one embodiment, the communication path 602 corresponds to a physical cable connection, such as a data channel of a USB type C connector. In another embodiment, the communication path 602 is a wireless communication path, such as a BLUETOOTH™ connection, NFC connection, WIFI connection, or the like. In some instances, the communication path 602 is directly between the device 610 and the smartphone 620, such as in a peer-to-peer configuration. In another instance, intermediary devices (not shown in FIG. 6) may be present, such as network routers, switches, gateways, and the like. For example, the communication path 602 may include a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), global area network (GAN) such as the internet, etc.

[0031] The smartphone 620 illustratively includes software executable on the smartphone 620 to configure the device. For example, a software application executing on the smartphone 620 can enable configuration of a controller on the device 610 that modifies aspects of the device 610’s operation, such as how power is applied to each cartridge of the device when an input (e.g., button 112) is pressed. In one example, each cartridge of the device 610 is associated with an input, such as slider 622, to modify a strength of the cartridge’s contribution to a final air / vapor mixture produced when a user inhales from the device 610.For example, inputs to the slider 622 may indicate a respective heat level of an atomizer in the device corresponding to each cartridge. In another embodiment, inputs to the slider 622 may indicate other attributes, such as voltage applied to a cartridge. While FIG. 6 depicts a single, simplified input 622 for each cartridge, additional or alternative controls may be provided. For example, inputs may be provided to control various aspects of operation of an atomizer or power to an atomizer, such as voltage or current. As another example, inputs may be provided to shape how power is provided to an atomizer, such as by varying a timing of power (e.g., voltage or current) when the button is pressed. For example, one setting may initially provide high voltage to an atomizer just after the button 112, and later decrease the voltage over time. Other settings may be used, e.g., to preheat atomizers. On selection of such settings, the user may select the “Save & Sync” input 624 to save the settings to the device 610, such as by communicating the settings over the communiation path 602. The device 610 may then save the settings in a local memory such that subsequent operation of the device acts in accordance with the settings.

[0032] While FIG. 6 discusses a single setting or set of settings for each cartridge, in some instances, the smartphone 620 may enable multiple settings or sets of settings. For example, different combinations of inputs to the button 112 (e.g., short presses, long presses, etc.) may trigger operation under different settings or sets of settings.

[0033] In some embodiments, available or default settings are provided according to a current configuration of the device 610. Illustratively, a controller of the device 610 may detect a number of cartridges attached to the device, such as by resistive characteristics of circuits in the device, and modify an interface to enable settings to be configured for each cartridge. As another example, cartridges may include circuitry to identify attributes of the cartridge to the controller of the device 610, such as contents of the cartridge, a fill level, and the like (e.g., via communication on a circuit of the device 610). The device 610 may therefore identify the cartridges to the smartphone 620, which may load default or available settings according to the cartridges attached to a body of the device 610.

[0034] In some instances, the smartphone 620 may also display information regarding a state of the device 610. For example, the smartphone 620 may display a number or type of cartridges in the current device 610’s configuration. As another example, the smartphone 620 may display a fill level of each cartridge of the device 610. In oneembodiment, cartridges include sensors to detect fill level, which are communicated from the device 610 to the smartphone 620. In another embodiment, a controller of the device 610 calculates fill level according to use of the device 610. For example, the controller may be preconfigured with an initial capacity of each cartridge, and deduct from that capacity according to use of the device (e.g., according to a timing and power level applied to the cartridge) in order to calculate remaining capacity. Various additional information may be provided through the smartphone 620 to control, configure, and monitor the device.

[0035] While a separate device is shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments functionality described with respect to the smartphone 620 is provided directly on the device 610, such as via inputs and outputs of the device.

[0036] The foregoing description and examples has been set forth merely to illustrate the disclosure and are not intended as being limiting. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise specified, none of the steps of the methods of the present disclosure are confined to any particular order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0037] Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

[0038] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “c.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or states are included or are to be performed in any particular' embodiment.

[0039] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0040] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

[0041] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0042] Although a vape device is disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of vape devices. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.

[0043] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

[0044] Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying figures. Certain figures are drawn and / or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Distances, angles, etc., are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and / or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0045] The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. For example, actions such as “positioning an electrode” include “instructing positioning of an electrode.”

[0046] In summary, various embodiments and examples of vape devices been disclosed. Although the vape device disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described herein, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electronic vaporizer device comprising: a body comprising: a battery; a controller operably coupled to the battery; a first independent circuit extending between the battery and a first electrical connector; and a second independent circuit extending between the battery and a second electrical connector; a first cartridge comprising: a first flow chamber; a first atomizer positioned in the first flow chamber and electrically coupled to the first independent circuit via the first electrical connector when the first cartridge is mechanically coupled to the body; and a first fastener configured to mate with the body to mechanically couple the first cartridge to the body; a second cartridge comprising: a second flow chamber; a second atomizer positioned in the second flow chamber and electrically coupled to the second independent circuit via the second electrical connector when the second cartridge is mechanically coupled to the first cartridge; and a second fastener configured to mate with the first cartridge to mechanically couple the second cartridge to the first cartridge; a mouthpiece detachably couplable to at least one of the first and second cartridges and defining an outlet; wherein the first and second fasteners align the first and second flow chambers to define a continuous airflow path extending from an intake in the body, through the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber, to the outlet of the mouthpiece; and wherein the controller is configured to selectively supply electrical power from the battery to the first atomizer via the first independent circuit and to the secondatomizer via the second independent circuit to independently modulate vapor contributions from the first and second cartridges to airflow along the continuous airflow path.

2. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1 further comprising a third cartridge comprising: a third flow chamber; a third atomizer positioned in the third flow chamber and electrically coupled to a third electrical connector of the body via a third independent circuit of the body when the third cartridge is mechanically coupled to the second cartridge; and a third fastener configured to mate with the second cartridge to mechanically couple the third cartridge to the second cartridge; wherein the third fastener aligns the third flow chamber to extent the continuous airflow path from the second flow chamber through the third flow chamber and to the outlet of the mouthpiece; and wherein the controller is configured to selectively supply electrical power from the battery to the third atomizer via the third independent circuit to independently modulate vapor contributions from the third cartridge to airflow along the continuous airflow path.

3. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second cartridges contains a substance corresponding to at least one of: a psychoactive material, a flavorant, and dietary supplement.

4. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners comprise at least one of: a connector nut; and a corresponding connector screw.

5. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the first atomizer comprises a resistive ceramic heating element.

6. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second cartridges comprises a transparent reservoir for visual determination of fill level.

7. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1 further comprising a communication port disposed on the body and configured to enable programming of the controller by an external computing device.

8. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second flow chambers is: cylindrical; and coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the body.

9. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to apply pulsed electrical power to each atomizer according to user- selected settings.

10. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a plurality of circumferential air inlets at the intake.

11. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 1 , wherein selectively supplying electrical power from the battery to the first atomizer via the first independent circuit and to the second atomizer via the second independent circuit to independently modulate vapor contributions from the first and second cartridges to airflow along the continuous airflow path comprises independently adjusting an amount of electrical power supplied to each of the first atomizer and the second atomizer, thereby controlling a respective amount of vapor generated by each of the first and second cartridges and contributed to the airflow along the continuous airflow path.

12. An electronic vaporizer device comprising: a body comprising: a battery; a controller operably coupled to the battery; a circuit extending between the battery and an electrical connector; and a first fastener configured to mate the body to a series cartridge comprising at least a first cartridge and a second cartridge, the first cartridge comprising: a first flow chamber; a first atomizer positioned in the first flow chamber and electrically couplable to the circuit via the electrical connector when the first cartridge is mechanically coupled to the body; anda second fastener configured to mate with the second cartridge to mechanically couple the first cartridge and the second cartridge; and the second cartridge comprising: a second flow chamber; a second atomizer positioned in the second flow chamber and electrically couplable to the circuit via the electrical connector when the second cartridge is mechanically coupled to the first cartridge; and a third fastener configured to mate with a mouthpiece defining an outlet; wherein the first, second, and third fasteners align the first and second flow chambers to define a continuous airflow path extending from an intake in the body, through the first and second flow chambers, to the outlet of the mouthpiece; and wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the first atomizer via the circuit and operation of the second atomizer via the circuit to independently modulate vapor contributions from the first and second cartridges to airflow along the continuous airflow path.

13. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 12, wherein the first cartridge further comprises a first cartridge controller, wherein the second cartridge comprises a second cartridge controller, and wherein the controller is configured control operation of the first atomizer by communication with the first cartridge controller and to control operation of the second atomizer by communication with the second cartridge controller.

14. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 12, wherein the circuit comprises a first independent circuit between the controller and the first cartridge and a second independent circuit between the controller and the second cartridge.

15. A method of generating a customizable vapor mixture using an electronic vaporizer device, the device comprising: a body comprising: a battery; a controller operably coupled to the battery; a first independent circuit extending between the battery and a first electrical connector;a second independent circuit extending between the battery and a second electrical connector; an intake; and a button in signal communication with the controller; a mouthpiece defining an outlet; a first cartridge mechanically coupled to the body to align a first flow chamber of the first cartridge with the intake and to couple a first atomizer of the first cartridge to the first independent circuit via the first electrical connector; a second cartridge mechanically coupled to the first cartridge to align the second flow chamber with the first flow chamber and thereby define a continuous airflow path from the intake to the outlet and to couple a second atomizer of the second cartridge to the second independent circuit via the second electrical connector; the method comprising: obtaining, at the controller, a configuration defining a level of vapor generation in the first chamber and a level of vapor generation in the second chamber; receiving an actuation input at the button; and in response to the actuation input, selectively supplying electrical power from the battery to the first atomizer via the first independent circuit and to the second atomizer via the second independent circuit to independently modulate vapor generation in the first and second flow chambers; and wherein passing air through the intake and the continuous airflow path draws a mixture of vapor generated in the first flow chamber and vapor generated in the second flow chamber through the outlet.

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