Convection heating elements, heaters, apparatuses and consumables for electronic vaporizers and method

Abstract

The apparatuses described pertain to the use of convective heating in electronic vaporizers. Electrical heating elements utilizing oblong tubular bodies (221a, 221b), configured as airflow channels having electrical terminals (222a, 222b) connected to a source of electrical power, direct heat flows of gas through a flow joint (216) to consumables secured via a receptacle, platform, or chamber to the apparatus. Electrical heating elements may be supported by housings (213,214,215) incorporating various features to form heaters (200). Also disclosed is a method of extracting an active substance from consumables deliverable to a user, which involves fluidly connecting consumables to outlets (226a, 226b) of electrical heating elements, generating a heated flow of gas through the heating elements, and directing the flow onto the consumables. The apparatuses and methods disclosed aim to elevate heating speed and usability of convection vaporizers and widen their applications in the vaporizer market The apparatuses described pertain to the use of convective heating in electronic vaporizers. Electrical heating elements utilizing oblong tubular bodies (221a, 221b), configured as airflow channels having electrical terminals (222a, 222b) connected to a source of electrical power, direct heat flows of gas through a flow joint (216) to consumables secured via a receptacle, platform, or chamber to the apparatus. Electrical heating elements may be supported by housings (213,214,215) incorporating various features to form heaters (200). Also disclosed is a method of extracting an active substance from consumables deliverable to a user, which involves fluidly connecting consumables to outlets (226a, 226b) of electrical heating elements, generating a heated flow of gas through the heating elements, and directing the flow onto the consumables. The apparatuses and methods disclosed aim to elevate heating speed and usability of convection vaporizers and widen their applications in the vaporizer market.

Description

Convection heating elements, heaters, apparatuses and consumables for electronic vaporizers and methodPRIOR APPLICATION(00011 application claims the benefit of co-pending US Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 63747373, filed 2025-01-21; and 63782598, filed 2025-04-03, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] Example embodiments relate to electronic vaporizers for generating and delivering active substances in vapor / aerosol form from a consumable to a user. More specifically, a consumable may be in the form of tobacco sticks, prepackaged cannabis extracts, loose tobacco leaves, grounded cannabis flowers, cannabis extracts, and the like. Example embodiments provided include convection heating elements, convection heaters, apparatuses, and related consumables.BACKGROUND

[0003] There are several types of consumer-use vaporizers for dry herbs like tobacco leaves and cannabis flower. These vaporizers can be roughly divided into two categories: convection and conduction, with some overlap. Conduction dry herb vaporizers typically use a solid heating surface, such as a container, a heating blade, or a heating nail, to vaporize dry herbs. However, dry herbs are thermal insulators requiring a significant warm-up time, usually involving a preheat function, before user inhalation. This has several drawbacks: users must wait anywhere from a few to about 30 seconds for the preheat function to bring the entire dry herb to vaporization temperature (usually around 200 to 250 degrees Celsius), during which vital ingredients are lost due to heat, vaporization, and diffusion. Cool air enters the dry herbs upon inhalation, causing them to cool and reducing vapor production, which diminishes the user’s experience, Additionally, the portions of the dry herbs directly contacting the heating surfaces are maintained at the highest temperatures, leading to non-uniform heating and potential burning or under-cooking, resulting in waste.

[0004] One common type of convection vaporizers uses heat exchangers to heat air, which is then directed to the dry herb to extract aerosolized particulates. These systems require a longpreheat duration, sometimes up to 60 seconds, and drain the battery quickly due to their high mass and surface area. Another type uses a heating coil to heat air before directing it to the dry herb. This type requires less warm-up time and may be "on demand," but the coils ty pically heat up to temperatures between 500 to 1000 degrees Celsius, heating the air to an average of around 200 degrees Celsius but with a wide temperature range. To avoid burning the dry herb, the average air temperature must be lowered, which may produce weak vapor and extraction of inhalable ingredients.(0005] Furthermore, there's a Sack of workable cartridge systems for cannabis extracts like rosin. Natural rosin or hash contains lipids, terpenes, THC, CBD, and other active ingredients that vaporize at different temperatures and have different viscosities. Conventional ceramic coils or wick-plus-coil systems can't effectively vaporize more than a small amount of rosin or hash without significantly clogging the system due to residue collection. As a result, users commonly "dab" them into a vaporizer each time they inhale, which may be Inconvenient.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION10006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present inventions to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither Identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments, its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.[00671 The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to apparatuses utilizing convection-based electrical heating elements, heaters, and consumables. A need is appreciated for a novel apparatus for generating aerosols that overcome the aforesaid drawbacks with conventional vaporizing systems for dry herbs and certain cannabis extracts.(0008] Additionally, apparatuses to be described may be paired with suitable cartridge systems. These cartridge systems shall be referred to as "consumables" in the literature that follows. One such consumable shall address the issue of the heated air being too hot to enter the mouth of users ~ the heated air being generated from a powerful convection heater. Another consumable shall address the method of implementation for using heated air to vaporize an active substance (such as a cannabis extract) incrementally. Both consumables to be described are cartridge systems that may improve user convenience.

[0009] In this specification, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" are interchangeably used and refer to substances in the gas phase. The substance can be solid, particles, liquid droplets, and the like. The meaning should be interpreted depending on the context In which it is used.

[0010] In this specification, the term "consumable" refers to any inhalable substance in a form that is a solid, semi-solid, liquid, gel, or a combination thereof that requires heat to vaporize. Additionally, the term "consumable" includes the cartridge or container in which such substance may or may not be packaged. The meaning should be interpreted depending on the context in which it is used. A few examples include unpacked or loose tobacco leaves, tobacco sticks, grounded cannabis flower, cannabis extracts like rosin and hash, and cannabis extracts like rosin and hash prepacked in a cartridge. It is also understood that a consumable may be a combination of more than one such substance. Consumables may be partially vaporized, extracting some active ingredients while leaving others behind as pa rt of a disposable.

[0011] In some embodiments there is provided an apparatus which comprises: an electrical heating element; wherein said electrical heating element comprises an oblong tubular body; wherein said oblong tubular body comprises: an electrically resistive material; an inlet; and, an outlet; whereby a flow of gas entering said inlet is heated by said electrical heating element before said flow exits said outlet while said electrical heating element is energized,

[0012] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body comprises: a first end; and, a second end; wherein said Inlet is located at said first end, and said outlet is located at said second end.[0013| In some embodiments the apparatus further comprises: a first electrical terminal connected to said electrical heating element; a second electrical terminal connected to said electrical heating element; wherein said first electrical terminal is spaced apart from said second electrical terminal; and, a source of electrical power connected to said first and second electrical terminals.

[0014] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body further comprises: an outer tubular wall; and, an Inner tubular wall; whereas said outer tubular wall at least partially encloses said inner tubular wall.

[0015] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body has a length between 5 mm and 300 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body has a bend proximate to said outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments the apparatus further comprises a disuniformity along said oblong tubular body.

[0018] In some embodiments the apparatus further comprises a plurality of spaced apart disuniformities along said oblong tubular body.

[0019] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body comprises a dielectric material.]002O| In some embodiments said oblong tubular body is a first oblong tubular body; and, said apparatus further comprises a second oblong tubular body laterally spaced apart from said first oblong tubular body.

[0021] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body is a first oblong tubular body; and, said apparatus further comprises a second oblong tubular body positioned at least partially inside said first oblong tubular body.

[0022] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body has a substantially uniform diameter.

[0023] In some embodiments said diameter is between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0024] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body further comprises: a first portion; and, a second portion; wherein said first portion is substantially cylindrical and said second portion is substantially curved.

[0025] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body comprises a metallic material having a first conductivity.

[0026] In some embodiments said first conductivity is between 13,500 and 70,000,000 Siemens per meter.

[0027] In some embodiments said metallic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Monel, Incoloy, Inconel, Hastelloy, and alloys thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments said oblong tubular body consists of a metallic material having a first conductivity.

[0029] In some embodiments said electrical heating element has an electrical resistance between 0.01 Ohm and 2.00 Ohms between said first and second terminals.

[0030] In some embodiments said apparatus further comprises a housing supporting said oblong tub lar body.

[0031] In some embodiments said housing mounts a source of electrical power wired to energize said electrical heating element.

[0032] In some embodiments said housing comprises a platform adapted to temporarily support a consumable to be heated by said fiow.[00331 In some embodiments said housing comprises a chamber adapted to temporarily carry a consumable to be heated by said flow.

[0034] In some embodiments said housing further comprises an empty region configured to compress said flow after said flow exits said outlet, whereas said flow has a thermal uniformitywhile exiting said outlet; whereby a compression of said flow by said empty region improves said thermal uniformity.

[0035] hi some embodiments said housing further comprises: a proximal end; a distal end; and, an internal interface forming a cavity between said proximal end and said distal end; whereas said internal interface is configured to enclose at least partially said oblong tubular body.[00361 In some embodiments said housing is further configured to have an air gap between at least a portion of said oblong tubular body and said internal interface; whereby said air gap provides thermal insulation to said oblong tubular body.

[0037] In some embodiments said cavity further comprises a first opening; and said inlet is further configured to be inside and fluidly connected to said cavity; whereby said flow enters said cavity through said first opening and is heated inside said cavity before reaching said inlet while said electrical heating element is energized,

[0038] In some embodiments said apparatus further comprises a receptacle configured to temporarily carry a consumable to be heated by said flow.

[0039] In some embodiments said apparatus further comprises a device body; and, said receptacle is further configured to be removably attached to said device body.

[0040] In some embodiments there is provided a consumable configured to receive a flow of heated gas for vaporizing an active substance deliverable to a user, the consumable comprising: a container for holding said active substance; and, a cap comprising a first aperture configured to receive said flow; wherein said cap is rotationally coupled to said container; whereby a rotation of said cap relative to said container generates a corresponding rotation of said first aperture relative to said container,

[0041] In some embodiments said consumable further comprises a second aperture configured for said flow to exit said consumable.

[0042] In some embodiments said container further comprises a pocket for holding said active substance.

[0043] In some embodiments said consumable further comprises a mesh structure for holding said active substance, wherein said mesh structure is positioned at least partially inside said container.

[0044] In some embodiments said consumable further comprises said active substance.

[0045] In some embodiments said cap further comprises a hollow extension connected to said first aperture.

[0046] In some embodiments said cap further comprises: a perimeter structure configured to be an enclosure with an open upper end and bottom end; a top coupled to said upper end and comprising said first aperture; and, a Socking ring coupled to said bottom end configured to secure said container to said cap.

[0047] In some embodiments there is provided a consumable for receiving a flow of heated gas to vaporize an active substance deliverable to a user, said consumable comprising: a material comprising said active substance; and, an elongated body comprising: a compartment for containing said material; an insertion section fluidly connected to said compartment; at least one airhole configured to allow an airflow to enter said elongated body; an entrance to receive said flow of heated gas into said compartment; and, an egress for said flow to escape said insertion section; wherein said insertion section is configured to be held by the mouth of said user for inhalation; whereby upon inhalation by said user, said flow of heated gas vaporizes said active substance and mixes with said airflow before entering the mouth of said user.

[0048] In some embodiments said elongated body further comprises an internal wall positioned between said compartment and said egress; whereas said internal wall comprises at least one aperture; wherein at least a portion of said aperture is positioned between said egress and said airhole; whereby said airflow and said flow travel through said aperture upon user inhalation.

[0049] In some embodiments said insertion section further comprises a porous medium fluidly coupled to said egress.[0059 [ In some embodiments said internal wall is further configured to be a fixture coupled to said medium; whereby said fixture holds said medium for ease of installation during assembly.

[0051] In some embodiments there is provided a method for vaporizing an active substance of a consumable wherein said method comprises: selecting an oblong tubular body made from a metallic material having a first electrical conductivity which allows said body to act as a heating element; fluidly connecting a consumable to an outlet of said body; heating said body; wherein said heating comprises producing an electrical current in said body; generating a flow of air through said body to create a heated flow; and, directing said heated flow onto said consumable thereby vaporizing said active substance.

[0052] In some embodiments said heating comprises raising the temperature of said body to between 50°C and 1400%.

[0053] In some embodiments said fluidly connecting comprises securing said consumable to an object selected from the group consisting of a platform, a chamber, a receptacle, and a combination thereof.

[0054] The content of the original claims is incorporated herein by reference as summarizing features in one or more exemplary embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures fu rther explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the Invention,

[0056] Fig, 1 illustrates an isometric view of an electrical heating element comprising an oblong tubular body and a source of electrical power configured as two electrical couplings, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0057] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the oblong tubular body of Fig, 1 according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0058] Fig, 3 illustrates a sectional view of the oblong tubular body of Fig, 1, taken along line 3- 3 of Fig, 2, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0059] Fig, 4 illustrates an isometric view of a housing adapted to support two electrical heating elements, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0060] Fig, 5 illustrates an exploded view of the housing of Fig. 4 according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a heater comprising the housing of Fig. 4 and two electrical heating elements electrically connected in series, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the heater of Fig. 6, according to at least one exemplary embodiment

[0063] Fig, 8 illustrates a side view of the heater of Fig, 6, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the heater of Fig. 6, taken along line 9-9 of Fig, 8, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0065] Fig, 10 illustrates a detailed view of the heater of Fig, 6, outlined by circle 10 of Fig. 9, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.[0066J Fig. 11 illustrates a back view of the heater of Fig. 6 according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Fig, 12 illustrates a sectional view of the heater of Fig, 6, taken along line 12-12 of Fig, 11, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0068] Fig, 13 illustrates a detailed view of the heater of Fig. 6, outlined by circle 13 of Fig, 12, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0069] Fig. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus comprising two electrical heating elements, a housing, a controller, a battery, an exterior body, and other related components, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0070] Fig, 15 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 14 carrying a consumable, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,[007.1] Fig, 16 illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus and consumable of Fig. 15, taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 15, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0072] Fig. 17 illustrates a front view of the apparatus and consumable of Fig. 15, accor ing to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 18 illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus and consumable of Fig. 15, taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 19 illustrates a detail view of the apparatus and consumable of Fig. 15, outlined by circle 19 in Fig. 18, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.(0075] Fig. 20 illustrates an exploded view of a consumable comprising a container, a cap, an active substance, and associated components, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.[0076[ Fig. 21 illustrates an isometric view of the cap of the consumable of Fig. 20 along with its associated components and features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0077] Fig. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the container of the consumable of Fig. 20 along with its associated features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0078] Fig, 23 Illustrates an isometric view of the consumable of Fig. 20 along with Its associated components and features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0079] Fig, 24 illustrates a bottom view of the consumable of Fig. 20 along with Its associated components and features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Fig, 25 illustrates a front view of the consumable of Fig. 20 along with its associated components and features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 26 illustrates a sectional view of the consumable of Fig. 20, taken along line 26-26 of Fig. 25, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0082] Fig. 27 illustrates a detail view of the consumable of Fig. 20, outlined by circle 27 in Fig- 26, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0083] Fig, 28 illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle along with its associated components, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0084] Fig. 29 illustrates an isometric view of the receptacle of Fig. 28, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0085] Fig. 30 illustrates another isometric view of the receptacle of Fig. 28, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Fig, 31 illustrates a side view of the receptacle of Fig. 28, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Fig. 32 illustrates a sectional view of the receptacle of Fig. 28, taken along line 32-32 of Fig. 31, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.[0088| Fig. 33 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus comprising a device body, a removable receptacle, and a consumable, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 34 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Fig, 33, where the receptacle is detached from the device body and the consumable from the receptacle, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0090] Fig, 35 illustrates an isometric view of a partially assembled device body of the apparatus of Fig. 33, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Fig. 36 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 33, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0092] Fig. 37 illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 33, taken along line 37-37 of Fig. 36, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0093] Fig. 38 illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 33, taken along line 38-38 of Fig. 37, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0094] Fig. 39 illustrates a detail view of the apparatus of Fig, 33, outlined by circle 39 in Fig. 37, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 40 illustrates a detail view of the apparatus of Fig, 33, outlined by circle 40 in Fig. 38, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 41 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a heater according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0097] Fig. 42 illustrates a sectional view of the heater of Fig. 41, taken along line 42-42 of Fig.41, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Fig, 43 illustrates an isometric view of the heater of Fig, 41, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0099] Fig, 44 illustrates a side view of a mouthpiece module, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0100] Fig, 45 illustrates a sectional view of the mouthpiece module of Fig, 44ftaken along line 45-45 of Fig.44. according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0101] Fig, 46 illustrates a detail view of the mouthpiece module of Fig, 44, outlined by circle 46 in Fig. 45, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0102] Fig. 47 illustrates an exploded view of a consumable comprising an elongated body, a fixture, and other associated components or features, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0103] Fig.48 illustrates a front view of the elongated body of Fig.47, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0104] Fig. 49 illustrates an isometric view of the elongated body of Fig. 47, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0105] Fig.50 Illustrates another isometric view of the elongated body of Fig. 47, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0106] Fig. 51 Illustrates a detail view of the elongated body of Fig. 47, outlined by circle 51 In Fig. 50, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0107] Fig. 52 illustrates a front view of the consumable of Fig. 47, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.[00108[ Fig. 53 illustrates a sectional view of the consumable of Fig, 47, taken along line 53-53 of Fig. 52, accord ing to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Fig.54 illustrates a detail view of the consumable of Fig.47, outlined by circle 54 in Fig.53, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 55 illustrates an isometric view of the fixture of Fig. 47, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0111] Fig. 56 illustrates an exploded view of a heater comprising an assembly of electrical heating elements and a housing, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0112] Fig.57 illustrates an isometric view of the housing of the heater of Fig. 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 58 illustrates an isometric view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of the heater in Fig. 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 59 illustrates another isometric view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of Fig, 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0115] Fig. 60 illustrates a side view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of Fig, 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0116] Fig. 61 Illustrates a front view of the heater of Fig. 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0117] Fig. 62 illustrates a bottom view of the heater of Fig. 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0118] Fig. 63 illustrates a side view of the heater of Fig.56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0019] Fig. 64 illustrates a top view of the heater of Fig. 56, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0120] Fig. 65 illustrates a sectional view of the heater of Fig. 56, taken along line 65-65 of Fig, 64, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Fig. 66 illustrates a detail view of the heater of Fig. 56, outlined by circle 66 in Fig, 65, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0122] Fig. 67 illustrates a detail view of the heater of Fig. 56, outlined by circle 67 in Fig, 65, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0123] Fig. 68 illustrates an exploded view of an assembly of electrical heating elements comprising two oblong tubular bodies and three electrical couplings, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0124] Fig. 69 illustrates an isometric view of one of the oblong tubular bodies shown in Fig, 68, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0125] Fig. 70 illustrates a detail view of the oblong tubular body of Fig. 69, outlined by circle 70 in Fig. 69, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 71 illustrates atop view of the other oblong tubular body shown in Fig. 68, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0127] Fig. 72 Illustrates a sectional view of the oblong tubular body of Fig, 71, taken along line 72-72 of Fig, 71, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0128] Fig. 73 illustrates a detail view of the oblong tubular body of Fig, 71, outlined by circle 73 in Fig. 72, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0129] Fig. 74 illustrates an isometric view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of Fig. 68, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0130] Fig. 75 illustrates a top view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of Fig. 68, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0131] Fig. 76 illustrates a sectional view of the assembly of electrical heating elements of Fig.68, taken along line 76-76 of Fig. 75, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0132] Fig. 77 illustrates an exploded view of an electrical heating element comprising an oblong tubular body having a first and second tubular wall, and two electrical couplings, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0133] Fig. 78 illustrates an isometric view of the electrical heating element of Fig. 77, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0134] Fig. 79 illustrates a top view of the electrical heating element of Fig. 77, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0135] Fig. 80 illustrates a front view of the oblong tubular body of the electrical heating element in Fig. 77, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0136] Fig. 81 illustrates a sectional view of the oblong tubular body of Fig. 80, taken along line 81-81 of Fig, SO, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0137] Fig. 82 illustrates a detail view of the oblong tubular body of Fig. 80, outlined by circle 82 in Fig. 81, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0138] Fig. 83 illustrates a detail view of the oblong tubular body of Fig. 80, outlined by circle 83 in Fig, 82, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0139] Fig. 84 illustrates an exploded view of a heater comprising an assembly of electrical heating elements and a housing having a chamber for carrying a consumable, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0140] Fig. 85 illustrates a front view of the heater of Fig, 84, according to at least one exemplary embodiment,

[0141] Fig. 86 illustrates an isometric view of the heater of Fig. 84, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0142] Fig. 87 illustrates a sections! view of the heater of Fig. 84, taken along line 87-87 of Fig.85, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0143] Fig. 88 illustrates a bottom view of the heater of Fig, 84, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0144] Fig, 89 illustrates a side view of the heater of Fig.84, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0145] Fig. 90 illustrates a sectional view of the heater of Fig. 84 taken along line 90-90 of Fig.89, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0146] Fig. 91 illustrates an isometric view of the heater of Fig. 84 with two end components dislocated, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0147] Fig. 92 illustrates another isometric view of the heater of Fig. 84 with two end components dislocated, according to at least one exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION(00148] Subject matter will now be described more fully in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, apparatuses, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0149] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration.’' Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term "embodiments of the present invention’' does not require that all embod iments of the in vention include the discussed feature or advantage.

[0150] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof,

[0151] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrated with cross-sectional diagrams that represent idealized embodiments and intermediate structures. Variations from the precise shapes of the illustrations due to manufacturing techniques and tolerances are anticipated. Therefore, these exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as confined tothe specific shapes depicted, but rather encompass deviations in shape from manufacturing processes. For instance, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will typically exhibit rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges, rather than a binary distinction. Similarly, a buried region may result in implantation extending into the adjacent region and the surface. The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic and their shapes are not intended to represent the actual shape of a region within an apparatus nor limit the scope of this disclosure,(00152] The term "substantially" can be used in this specification because manufacturing imprecision and inaccuracies can lead to non-symmetricity and other inexactitudes in the shape, dimensioning, and orientation of various structures. Further, use of "substantially" in connection with certain geometrical shapes, such as cylinders, tori, and letter shapes, such as " U-shaped", physical properties, such as electrical potential, and orientations, such as "parallel" and "perpendicular”, can be given as a guide to generally describe the function of various structures and to allow for slight departures from exact mathematical geometrical shapes, letter shapes, exact physical properties, and orientations, while providing an adequately similar function. Those skilled in the art will rea ily appreciate the degree to which a departure can be made from the mathematically or physically exact references.(00153] if used in this specification, the word "axial’' is meant to refer to directions, movement, or forces acting substantially parallel with or along a respective axis, and not to refer to rotational, radial, or angular directions, movement, or forces, nor torsional forces unless otherwise noted.(00154] In this specification, the units "millimeter" or "millimeters" can be abbreviated "mm", "centimeter" or "centimeters" can be abbreviated "cm", and temperature in degrees Celsius can be abbreviated " X".(00155] Disclosed is an apparatus for extracting active substances from a consumable using convective heating. Air is rapidly heated by an electrical heating element at high power and directed to the consumable, reducing the waiting time for preheating in most conventional vaporizers. The heated air can have substantially high thermal uniformity due to the electrical heating elements or heater having a high efficiency of convective heat transfer. The invention alms to improve existing electronic vaporizers for harm reduction, especially heat-not-burn systems, by offering a more direct and user-friendly experience. It also may enable users to enjoy cannabis extracts like rosin, hash, wax, etc., in disposable cartridges, in which many conventional systems have struggled with due to these extracts having relatively high viscosities.

[0156] Referring to Fig. 1, an electrical heating element 100 comprises an oblong tubular body 101, which further comprises an inlet 105 and an outlet 106. The oblong tubular body 101 is configured to be a hollow structure acting as an air channel, which may be substantially deviating from a tubular form, or it may be tubular at some sections and deviating from a tubular form at other sections, or it may be substantially tubular throughout. The oblong tubular body 101 may consist or comprise of an electrically resistive material having a first conductivity suitable for being an electrical resistor. In some embodiments, the electrically resistive material may be metallic. The oblong tubular body 101 further comprises a first end 103 and a second end 104, wherein the inlet 105 is located on the first end 103 and the outlet 106 is located on the second end 104, Because a flow of gas is configured to enter inlet 105 and exit outlet 106, It may be understood that the first end 103 is a beginning and the second end 104 is an end of the oblong tubular body 101, A first electrical terminal 102a and a second electrical terminal 102b are con nected to the oblong tubular body 101 on a first end 103 and a second end 104, respectively. A source of electrical power such as a battery of the apparatus or an electrical outlet may provide electricity to energize the electrical heating element 100. The source of electrical power may be removably or Irremovably connected to the first and second electrical terminals 102a and 102b. This can be done by connecting the electrical terminals 102a and 102b to electrical connectors, or soldering them to electrical leads, which are then electrically connected to the source of electrical power. Other components such as electrical wires and / or circuitry on a PCB may also be employed in the electrical connections. Generally, the first and second electrical terminals 102a and 102b do not have to be located on the first end 103 or on the second end 104, respectively. The second electrical terminal 102b may be sufficiently spaced apart from the first electrical terminal 102a on the oblong tubular body 101 so long as the space provides enough electrical resistance for the oblong tubular body 101 to heat up when sufficient electricity is supplied by the source of electrical power.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 1, the first end 103 is defined to be a region of the oblong tubular body 101 comprising a furthest end point along its longitudinal axis and at least one inlet 105, but it excludes at least 70% of the remaining length of the oblong tubular body 101. The second end 104 is identically defined except in that it comprises at least one outlet 106 instead of an inlet 105. Each region is located within its respective dotted box in Fig. 1. In some implementations, the inlet 105 and outlet 106 may look identical and may thus be identified by the direction of theairflow through the oblong tubular body 101 in the application of the electrical heating element 100 in an apparatus.

[0158] According to one implementation shown in Fig. 3, the oblong tubular body 101 further comprises an interior surface 107 and an exterior surface 108, which are opposite sides of a layer or wall of material that connects and extends from the first end 103 to the second end 104. This layer or wall of material may be referred to as a tubular wall in this specification. A tubular wall may or may not have a substantially uniform thickness or a substantially circular cross section along its longitudinal axis. In certain implementations, the oblong tubular body 101 may comprise a first portion 109 and a second portion 110, wherein the first portion 109 is a straight section that is substantially cylindrical and the second portion 110 is a turning section that is substantially curved. The first portion 109 and the second portion 110 are illustrated within their respective dotted boxes in the figure. In some Implementations, an oblong tubular body may comprise a single disuniformity, which may be a region having inconsistent cross-section taken perpendicularly along a longitudinal axis of said region. In the implementation shown in Fig. 3, the oblong tubular body 101 may comprise a region having a plurality of spaced-apart disuniforrnities 112. The oblong tubular body 101 may comprise a region of su bstantially uniform diameter 111, which is a region of substantially consistent, circular cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of said region. In some implementations, an oblong tubular body may have a substantially uniform diameter throughout. Each described region is outlined within their respective dotted box in Fig. 3, In certain implementations, regions 109 and 110 may overlap with regions 111 and 112.

[0159] in general, an oblong tubular body having a substantially uniform diameter may be easy to manufacture, thereby potentially lowering production costs. An oblong tubular body comprising one or more disuniforrnities can introduce more turbulent airflow, thus increasing the efficiency of heat transfer to the airflow. In general, an oblong tubular body may be a hollow structure comprising any combination of a first portion, a second portion, a region of substantially uniform diameter, and one or more disuniforrnities. A tubular body having an oval cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is an oblong tubular body. Furthermore, an oblong tubular body comprising a section of substantially uniform diameter joined to another section having an oval cross-section has a disuniformity. The final shape and configuration of the oblong tubular body may be determined by one who is skilled in the art for its targeted application.

[0160] According to some embodiments, an oblong tubular body may comprise a metallic material having a first conductivity between 13,500 and 70,000,000 Siemens per meter, in other embodiments, an oblong tubular body may comprise a metallic material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Monel, Incoloy, Inconel, Hastelloy, and alloys thereof. In some implementations, an oblong tubular body may comprise a glass, or a ceramic material, or another dielectric material. In other implementations, an oblong tubular body may consist of a metallic material having a first conductivity,(00161] in the implementation shown in Fig. 1, the first electrical terminal 102 a and the second electrical terminal 102 b can be made from an alloy like beryllium copper. The electrical terminals 102a and 102b may be removably mounted / connected to the oblong tubular body 101, or they may be sintered on with a laser or with a high-temperature application to form a more robust electrical connection. In other embodiments, an electrical terminal may be an electrical lead or wire sintered on or connected to an oblong tubular body.

[0162] Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 disclose an electrical heating element 100 that may be very effective at heating a flow of gas (i.e. air) through an oblong tubular body 101, Even still, it is important that an electrical heating element has the proper geometrical configuration. The mass, surface area, electrical resistance, material, length, cross-sectional area of the airflow, and cross-sectional area of an oblong tubular body all must be optimized to enable an electrical heating element to function properiy within an apparatus in a targeted application. Proper optimization enables an electrical heating element, while energized, to transfer sufficient heat with a sufficient thermal uniformity to a flow of gas traveling through its oblong tubular body. The heated flow of gas may then be directed to a consumable to extract a satisfying aerosol deliverable to a user.

[0163] An electrical heating element may be substantially optimized by applying equations commonly used in engineering and physics. Referring to Fig. 7, an alternative embodiment of an electrical heating element is shown along with other components of a heater 200 in an exploded view. The oblong tubular body 221a may be made from stainless steel 316 into a tubular shape with an approximate length of 72.4mm, an approximate internal diameter 2.04mm, and an approximate thickness of around 0.05mm between its exterior surface 228a and interior surface 227a [see Fig. 10 and Fig. 13). It may have a substantially uniform diameter and may comprise a first portion that is substantially cylindrical proximate to an inlet 225a and a second portion that is substantially curved proximate to an outlet 226a (also see Fig. 9). Similar features apply to oblong tubular body 221b. This configuration may have a sufficient electrical resistance (around 0.14 Ohm) and a sufficient surface area-to-mass ratio for effective, convective heat transfer. TheISoblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b may be manufactured by extrusion using a material having a conductivity / reslstlvity suitable for conventional temperature control systems. When two such oblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b are electrically coupled in series, placed inside a proper enclosure (i.e. the housing 201 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), and operated between 6.5 V and 8.4 V, it is estimated to generate around 140 W of power. Under normal human inhalation pressures, this amount of power is estimated to heat the air passing through them from 20 degrees Celsius to over 230 degrees Celsius in about 1 second. In some embodiments, an oblong tubular body may have a bend along Its length - the bend may or may not be proximate to an outlet - whereas the bend may not be substantially curved.

[0164] Generally, electrical heating elements may be configured to have electrical resistances anywhere between approximately 0.01 Ohm to 2.00 Ohms for them to be useful. An electrical heating element may comprise more than one oblong tubular body. Multiple oblong tubular bodies having a low electrical resistance may be electrically coupled in series, while the same having a higher electrical resistance may be coupled in parallel. In certain implementations, an electrical heating element may employ a combination of oblong tubular bodies electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. If the resulting combination forms an electrical heating element having an electrical resistance between 0,10 Ohm to 1.50 Ohm, most conventional circuit boards and batteries can be utilized. However, to achieve high power for rapid heating, an electrical resistance between approximately 0.1 Ohm to 0.5 Ohm may be preferable. Furthermore, the electrical resistance of an oblong tubular body may be determined by adjusting and arranging the shape, thickness, and length of its material having a first conductivity. Additionally, the length of an oblong tubular body may be between approximately 5mm and 300mm, its diameter between approximately 0.5mm and 20mm, and the thickness of its tubular wall between approximately 0.01mm and 2mm. Configurations outside of these values may prove to be impractical for applications in a vaporizer apparatus.

[0165] The electrical heating element described by the present Invention helps to reduce the long heat-up time of conventional heat exchangers utilized in some conventional convection vaporizers; it also narrows the temperature distribution of air generated by electrical coils used in other conventional convection vaporizers. When such an electrical heating element is implemented into a housing to form a heater or a heating unit, an increase in energy efficiency and the rate of convective heat transfer may result.

[0166] In certain implementations, a heater may be used in an apparatus, and the heater shall comprise at least one electrical heating element and a housing configured to support it and / orsupport ts oblong tubular body. Fig. 4 and Fig, 5 Illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a housing 201. Fig. 6 - Fig. 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heater 200 comprising an electrical heating element and the housing 201 of Fig.4 and Fig. 5. The electrical heating element comprises a first oblong tubular body 221a and a second oblong tubular body 221b. These are electrically connected in series by an electrically conductive jumper 222c, which connects to each oblong tubular body 221a and 221b near outlets 226a and 226b. A first electrical terminal 222a connects to oblong tubular body 221a near inlet 225a, and a second electrical terminal 222b to oblong tubular body 221b near inlet 225b.(00167] Referring to Fig. 4, the housing 201 comprises a proximal end 202 and a distal end 203, where the proximal end 202 is configured to be a platform to support a consumable to be heated by a flow of gas. As best seen in the exploded view of Fig. 5, the housing 201 is split into a top housing 213 coupled to a flow joint 216, a front housing 214, and a back housing 215. The front- to-back seal 212 is positioned between the front housing 214 and the back housing 215 to seal off any unwanted airflow between them. The flow joint seal 210 is positioned between the exterior circumference of the flow joint 216 and the interior circumference of the top housing 213 to seal off unwanted airflow between them. The top housing seal 209 seals off unwanted airflow between the bottom surface of the top housing 213 and the top surface of the front housing 214 and back housing 215.

[0168] The through holes 217 and 218 of Fig. 5 couple to outlets 226a and 226b, respectively, in a substantially air-tight fashion (also see Fig. 9 and Fig. 12). Air flows into the housing 201 through two first openings 207; one is on the front housing 214 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7), and the other one on the back housing 215 (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 12). There is a second opening 208 located on the flow joint 216 that is fluidly connected to the outlets 226a and 226b (see Fig. 5 and Fig.12). Airflow exits housing 201 from the second opening 208.

[0169] Referring to Fig. 5, a mesh cover 211 possibly made from stainless steel may be capped on the flow joint 216, both of which may be inserted into the top housing 13, Two sets of screws and nuts securely mate together the front housing 214 and the back housing 215. The housing 201 may comprise a thermally insulating and / or a dielectric material. Zirconia may be used for the front housing 214, the back housing 215, the top housing 213, and theflow joint 216. Silicone rubber may be used for all the mentioned seals.

[0170] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 13, a cavity may be defined by an Internal interface 204 inside the housing 201. The internal interface 204 may be split into multiple components that assemble to form the housing 201. For example, the Internal interface 204comprises all internal surfaces of the front housing 214, the back housing 215, the top housing 213, the flow joint 216, and other components of the housing 201 that together form this cavity. As shown in the figures, a portion of the internal interface 204 is located on the back housing 215 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7). However, a portion of it is also on the front housing 214 where the same surface is mirrored (not shown). Additionally, a small portion of the internal interface 204 extends slightly around through holes 217 and 218 on the bottom surface of the top housing 213, which can be seen in the figures but are not labeled. Other embodiments may have alternative configurations of an internal interface split onto different components.(00171) In this specification, the term "internal interface" encompasses all interior surfaces of one or more components that collectively constitute a cavity within a housing, in some embodiments, a housing may have at least one internal interface forming at least one cavity between a proximal end and a distal end. in other embodiments, an internal interface may at least partially enclose at least one electrical heating element or its oblong tubular body. Some embodiments may have an inlet and / or an outlet protrude out of a housing, so the internal interface of the housing may not enclose the entire oblong tubular body. One who is skilled in the art may readily configure more than one internal interface forming more than one cavity that at least partially encloses at least one electrical heating element or its oblong tubular body.(00172| According to the implementation of Fig. 10, the heater 200 is configured to have an air gap 205 between the exterior surface 228a and the internal interface 204. As best seen in Fig. 9, the heater 200 is configured such that the inlet 225a of the oblong tubular body 221a is located inside the cavity defined by the internal interface 204, a portion of which surrounds the inlet 225a. This surrounding portion forms a spatial extension 206, which is an empty space around and above the inlet 225a and is fluidly connected to the inlet 225a and the air gap 205. The same descriptions apply to exterior surface 228b and inlet 225b of oblong tubular body 221b due to symmetry. The spatial extension 206 is enclosed by the internal interface 204 within the dotted box, as shown in Fig. 9.(00173] According to the implementation best seen in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, two first openings 207 are fluidly coupled to the air gap 205. The air gap 205 is labeled in Fig. 13 and represented by the dotted lines; it is the visible gap between the exterior surfaces 228b (also 228a) and the internal interface 204. It should be noted that while the housing 201 comprises the two first openings 207, it is more specifically illustrated that the cavity enclosed by the internal interface 204 comprises the two first openings 207. The heater 200 is configured such that air enters it throughthe first openings 207 and exits it through a second opening 208, which is fluidly connected to the outlets 226a and 226b.

[0174] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 ~ Fig. 13, when users inhale through an apparatus comprising the heater 200, the trajectory of airflow is as follows: air travels into the first openings 207, then flows through the air gap 205, subsequently makes a turn in the spatial extension 206, then enters the inlets 225a and 225b, then passes through the two oblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b, then exits the two outlets 226a and 226b, and finally exits the second opening 208. When electricity is supplied to the source of electrical power 222, air Is heated as it flows through the air gap 205 because the exterior surfaces 228a and 228b of the oblong tubular bod ies 221a and 221b contact it. The air is further heated as it travels inside and through the oblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b before exiting the outlets 226a and 226b and the second opening 208. This embodiment has the first openings 207 relatively close to (but separated from) the outlets 226a and 226b. Therefore, air is heated twice as it travels through heater 200 - once by the exterior surfaces 228a and 228b and another time by the interior surfaces 227a and 227b.

[0175] It should be noted that depending on the shape and location of an inlet relative to an oblong tubular body, a spatial extension may only need to be around and not above the inlet. The terms "surround" or "surrounding" in this specification are to be understood to include both '’around" and / or "above" depending on the context of the embodiment. The overall effect should be that a spatial extension fluidly connects an inlet to an air gap.

[0176] in general, an air gap does not need to be maintained across the entire exterior surface of an oblong tubular body. Also, some contact points between an internal interface and an electrical heating element may be necessary to secure the electrical heating element inside a housing. In some embodiments, an air gap may not fluidly connect to an inlet and / or outlet; instead, the air gap may provide additional thermal insulation to the electrical heating element to increase the rate of convective heat transfer. Furthermore, some embodiments may have an outlet extending out of a second opening, and the second opening may enclose the oblong tubular body in an airtight fashion.

[0177] In at least one implementation, a housing may comprise a ceramic cotton wrapped around an electrical heating element to provide thermal insulation. The internal interface of the housing would simply be the interior surface of the ceramic cotton wrap facing the electrical heating element. In this case, the cavity formed may be in a similar, oblong tubular shape, andthere may be many tiny air gaps between the ceramic cotton and the exterior surface of the oblong tubular body.

[0178] Heater 200 as shown in Fig. 6-13 has a relatively high efficiency of convective heat transfer. For comparison, consider another embodiment in which everything Is the same except that two first openings are located near the two inlets 225a and 225b and towards the istal end 203 of a housing. Air cannot be extensively heated by the exterior surface in this configuration. The final average air temperature exiting the second opening 208 is estimated to drop by about 16% in Celsius when 140W is applied for 1 second and under normal inhalation pressure. Meanwhile, the average temperature of the oblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b will rise significantly, possibly decreasing thermal uniformity in the heated air,[00179| White the implementation of the present invention shown in Fig. 6 - Fig. 13 may illustrate a heater 200 comprising two oblong tubular bodies 221a and 221b possibly made from stainless steel 316, one skilled in the art may readily configure alternative oblong tubular bodies to comprise a dielectric material such as a ceramic. It may comprise at least one first portion and / or second portion wherein the first portion is substantially cylindrical and the second portion is substantially curved. It may further comprise a disuniformity or a plurality of spaced¬ apart disuniformities along the oblong tubular body. One who is skilled in the art may incorporate any variation of an electrical heating element to be used with any variation of a heater accordingly.[0018O| An exploded view of an apparatus 300 is shown in Fig. 14 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. An electrical heating element 340 comprises two oblong tubular bodies 341 laterally spaced apart and electrically connected in series by an electrically conductive jumper 342c (see also Fig, 16). A first electrical terminal 342a connects to one oblong tubular body 341 (and by symmetry a second electrical terminal to the other). Electrical heating element 340 is coupled to a housing like the one shown in Fig. 4-5. The housing comprises a front housing 324, a back housing 325, a top housing 323 coupled to a flow joint 326, a mesh cover 321 coupled to the top housing 323 and covering the flow joint 326, and a front-to-back-seal 322 between the front housing 324 and the back housing 325. The mesh cover 321 functions as a platform on the housing for supporting a consumable 301 (best seen in Fig. 19). The electrical heating element 340 and the housing form a heater like the one shown in Fig. 6 - Fig. 13. A receiver 309 couples to the heater by clipping onto it and secures the top housing 323 to the front housing 324 and the back housing 325. A tubular insert 304 is coupled to the receiver 309 by clipping into it. A receptacle 302 is coupled to the tubular insert 304 and the receiver 309 by being configuredto be between them and within the receiver 309 in an airtight fashion, in this embodiment, the receptacle 302 is a silicone sea! with a through-hole on which are multiple grooves. The top end of the tubular insert 304 also couples to the heater and helps to secure the front housing 324, the front-to-back seal 322, and the back housing 325 together in an airtight fashion where necessary. The heater along with the receiver 309 and the tubular insert 304 couples to the internal frame 314, which is also coupled to a controller 303 and a battery 305. The internal frame 314 may be made from a plastic material with good heat resistance and helps to thermally insulate the heater from the controller 303 and the battery 305. The front airflow seal 310 couples to the front housing 324 and the internal frame 314. The back airflow seal 311 couples to the back housing 325 and the internal frame 314, The internal frame 314 couples to the foundation 316 by dipping into it and is inserted into the exterior body 306 during assembly. Lastly., a top cap 315 couples to the exterior body 306 and the tubular insert 304 when completing the assembly,

[0181] In one implementation, all seals mentioned can be made from high-temperature- resistant silicone rubber custom molded into their respective shapes. Similarly, the housing components 323, 324, 325, and 326 may be made from zirconia or another similar material by molding. Components 314, 315, 316, 304, and 309 can be similarly made by plastic molding processes. The exterior body 306 may be extruded and comprise a thermally conductive material to dissipate heat. In certain implementations, components 304 and 309 may comprise a thermally resistant material like PEEK.

[0182] In one implementation, the controller 303 is a circuit board comprising electrical components and precisely allocates electrical power to the electrical heating element 340 to substantially control the temperature of the heated air. This may be done by conventional methods such as using PWM power output, raising the voltage, sensing the resistance of the electrical heating element 340 according to its temperature coefficient of resistance, etc. The average temperature of the oblong tubular bodies 341 (see Fig, 16) will typically be higher than the average temperature of the heated air, and a correlation of the two can be simulated or measured and be programmed into the controller 303. The controller 303 may be connected to a battery 305 in the apparatus 300. Alternatively, a controller may be connected to an external power source such as an electrical outlet via a power cable or other conventional means.

[0183] According to at least one embodiment, a controller may have at least one button for turning the apparatus on or off and controlling various settings related to temperature and time. In at least one implementation, a controller may be a module electrically coupled to an electricalheating element, and it may comprise buttons, knobs, or touch sensors, a display, or a combination thereof, etc., for users to control and adjust user settings of an apparatus.

[0184] Fig. 15-19 illustrates the apparatus 300 with a consumable 301 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. In addition to the housing, electrical heating element 340, and controller 303, the apparatus 300 further comprises a receptacle 302 for removably receiving the consumable 301. The controller 303 allocates electrical power to the electrical heating element 340 and is electrically coupled to it. The housing is physically coupled to the electrical heating element 340 and is comprised of the front housing 324, the back housing 325, the top housing 323, and the flow joint 326. As best seen in the detail view in Fig. 19, the receptacle 302 consists of a cylindrical component having a through-hole filled with grooves for holding the consumable 301 by means of frictional force, according to at least one exemplary embodiment. It may be made from silicone rubber that can withstand temperatures greater than 250 degrees Celsius, This embodiment may be a cost-effective design to receive a consumable 301, which may be configured to be a tobacco heat-stick or a cannabis flower heat-stick. In general, a receptacle may be any mechanism employed on an apparatus by which a consumable may be removably attached,

[0185] Referring to Fig, 14 and Fig, 18, an airflow intake 317 exists on the front and back sides of the foundation 316 and is configured to fluidly connect to an environment external to the apparatus 300, according to at least one embodiment. The airflow intake 317 is an opening into which air enters the apparatus 300 when user inhalation occurs. Referring to Fig. 14, an airflow connector 312 is located on the front airflow seal 310; an identical one Is located and mirrored on the back airflow seal 311 (not shown in Fig. 14). The airflow connector is the cutout on the airflow seals 310 and 311 that together with the internal faces of the exterior body 306 forms an airflow channel fluidly connecting the air intake 317 to a first opening of the heater. This configuration helps to isolate the air inhaled through the apparatus 300 from contacting the controller 303 (with a possible exception of the pressure sensor 313) and the battery 305.

[0186] In this specification, an airflow connector is to be thought of as an airflow pathway connecting an inlet of an oblong tubular body to an airflow intake. The airflow pathway may help to isolate the air going into an electrical heating element from the rest of the electronic components of an apparatus. Also, an air intake can be defined as any opening of an apparatus through which air enters upon user inhalation. In certain Implementations, air flowing into an electrical heating element through an airflow connector may be restricted from contacting atleast a portion of a controller and / or a battery, which may reduce the risk of having unwanted contamination in the air Inhaled by a user.

[0187] Referring to Fig. 14, a pressure sensor 313 of the controller 303 is fluidly coupled to the airflow connector 312 (when the apparatus 300 is assembled). The pressure sensor 313 may sense a change in the air pressure due to user inhalation if it is fluidly connected to an opening from where the user inhales. It may function as the on / off switch to activate the electrical heating element 340. In certain implementations, a pressure sensor may not be fluidly connected to an airflow connector If it is fluidly connected to an opening from where the user inhales. Such a pressure sensor may still function as an on / off switch to an apparatus.

[0188] Referring to Fig. 19, the housing may further comprise a first empty region 307 and a second empty region 308 adjacent to one another, which are depicted by the two outlining boxes In the figure. The first empty region 307 has a larger cross-section taken perpendicularly along its longitudinal axis than the second empty region 308. The first empty regions 307 and the second empty regions may be located on the airflow joint 326, according to one implementation. The first empty region 307 is configured to receive the flow of heated gas from the outlets 346 of the oblong tubular bodies 341, The second empty region 308 is configured to receive the flow of heated gas f rom the first empty region 307. The second empty region 308 has a smaller cross¬ section for the flow of gas to travel through than the first empty region 307, and therefore the flow of gas may be compressed as it travels through said second empty region 308. The compression of the flow of gas may improve its thermal uniformity before reaching a consumable 301, In general, a housing may further comprise an empty region configured to compress a flow of heated gas after said flow exits an outlet of an oblong tubular body. Upon exiting the outlet, the flow has a certain thermal uniformity, and a compression of the flow by the empty region tends to improve the thermal uniformity. This is because a compression of the flow forces the molecules of the flow to equilibrate more rapidly (and doing so while saving available space).

[0189] In some Implementations, a consumable may comprise a container holding an active substance for vaporization. The consumable may further comprise a rotating cap coupled to the container, where the rotating cap is configured to have a first aperture for receiving a flow of heated gas into the container. The consumable may comprise a second aperture for the flow of heated gas and at least a portion of the vaporized substance to escape. A heater may be configured with a flow of heated gas exiting an outlet and / or a second opening in a downward direction. The first aperture through which heated air enters the container may be alignedtowards a circumferential, bottom region of the container. As the portion of the substance receiving heated air gets vaporized and consumed, the container may be rotated to reorient the flow of heated gas towards another circumferential, bottom region in the container where the remaining substances are located. This procedure can be repeated by users until all or most of the substances are vaporized,[O0190| in another implementation, a rotating cap may be removably attached to a receptacle of an apparatus, which may be of a different mechanism of attachment than shown in the figures. The mechanism may be magnetic, or a clip-on, or any mechanism using frictional force. Similarly, other means by which a flow of heated gas may be repositioned towards a different interior location of a container may be used, such as a sliding mechanism. The benefit of this implementation is that it may enable substances that easily dog pores of conventional ceramic coils to be vaporized by an apparatus,[00191 | An exemplary embodiment of a consumable 400 Is shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 23 ~ Fig, 27. It comprises a cap 406 and a container 401, which are Individually shown in Fig. 21 and Fig, 22, respectively. The cap 406 is rotationally coupled to the container 401, meaning the two components are translatlonally fixed (not being able to move in the x, y, and z directions) relative to each other, but one can be made to rotate relative to the other about at least one rotational axis by an external force. Additionally, the term rotationally coupled implies that the components are joined together and not separable during normal use. For example, a user may provide the external force with one's hands to rotate the container 401 relative to the cap 406, but the two components will not separate from merely rotating one component relative to the other.

[0192] The cap 406 being rotationally coupled to the container 401 can be better understood by examining Fig. 20, which shows an exploded view of the consumable 400. The cap 406 of Fig, 21 comprises a top 412, a perimeter structure 409, and a locking ring 407, The perimeter structure 409 on Fig, 20 is configured to be an enclosure with an open upper and bottom end (or open on its top and bottom). Once assembled, the top 412 couples to the upper end of the perimeter structure 409. During assembly, the top 412 may be pressed into the perimeter structure 409 from above, and the locking ring 407 may be threaded onto the perimeter structure 409 from below. Before threading the locking ring 407 onto the perimeter structure 409, the container 401 is inserted into the locking ring 407 from above. Referring to Fig. 26, it is shown that after all the components are assembled, the container 401 is translationally fixed by the locking ring 407 and the perimeter structure 409 (with a seal 408 in between). As can be seen21In Fig. 27, there is a slight vertical gap between the container 401 and the perimeter structure 409. Thus, the container 401 is not tightly held together by the perimeter structure 409 and the locking ring 407, but a seal 408 merely exerts some downward pressure on it. Therefore, the container 401 is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis and relative to the cap 406 when a large enough tangential force is applied. Thus, the locking ring 407 couples to the bottom end of the perimeter structure 409 and is configured to secure the container 401 to the cap 406 in a way that the container 401 may be rotated relatively to the cap 406.(00193] Referring to Fig. 21, the cap 406 comprises a first aperture 414 for receiving a flow of heated gas to enter the consumable 400. The cap 406 also comprises a second aperture 415 configured for the flow of heated gas along with a vaporized substance to escape the consumable 400. The flow of heated gas (i.e. heated air) can come from an external heat source like a convection heater. In general, a cap may comprise a first aperture, but a second aperture may be positioned anywhere on a consumable, such as on its container, so long as it provides an escape route for the flow of heated gas and vaporized substance. Even a gap between a container and its rotationally coupled cap can function as a second aperture. As an example of this, take away the seal 408 (best seen In Fig. 27) and the resulting gap between components 407 and 409 may possibly function as a second aperture. However, the consumable 400 is configured to have the second aperture 415 to be larger than the first aperture 414, and both are positioned on the cap 406. Such a configuration may prevent non-vaporized substance from escaping the consumable 400 during user inhalation.

[9194] Components 408, 410, and 413 In Fig. 20 are elastic seals that prevent airflow between other components. They can be made of molded or pressed silicone rubber. Referring to Fig. 26, during assembly, seal 410 is stretched and positioned in a groove on the top 412 before pressing the top 412 into the perimeter structure 409. Seal 413 can be inserted into the top 412 from above. Seal 408 can be prepositioned on top of the container 401 or wrapped around the bottom edge of the perimeter structure 409 (also see Fig. 27) before threading the locking ring 407 onto the perimeter structure 409. Seal 410 prevents airflow between the top 412 and the perimeter structure 409, and seal 408 prevents airflow between the container 401 and the perimeter structure 409. Together, seals 408 and 410 help to ensure heated air entering the consumable 400 via the first aperture 414 only exits through the second aperture 415. Seal 413 may prevent unwanted airflow between the consumable 400 and a surface of an apparatus to which It may be connected. When pressed against such a surface, seal 413 enables the flow of gas to enter the consumable 400 only through the first aperture 414. Likewise, seal 413 may also help to23channel the escaping flow of heated gas and vaporized substance exiting the second aperture 415 to enter an appropriate opening located on an apparatus.

[0195] In general, a locking ring may attach to a perimeter structure by any means currently and commonly used in the market. For example, instead of using threading, they may be pressed fitted or laser welded. Also, if the seal 408 were omitted and the second aperture 415 were not located on the top 412, it is understood that the interfaces between the cap 406 and the container 401 would not be airtight. Thus, a second aperture can simply be any gap or opening between the two parts 401 and 406. Vaporized active substance can still be directed to the user by using an appropriate airflow pathway external to the consumable 400, One who is skilled in the art may modify the location of the mentioned features without departing from the scope of this specification.

[0196] Referring to Fig. 22, there are five pockets 402 and five container indentations 403 located on the container 401. Referring to Fig. 21, two of five cap indentations 417 located on the cap 406 are shown. More specifically, they are located on the locking ring 407, Although not labeled, all five cap indentations 417 can be seen near the perimeter of cap 406 in Fig. 24. When the container 401 is rotated relative to the cap 406 (in the assembled form), the overlap of the five cap indentations 417 and the five container indentations 403 produces a stopping action. The indentations 403 and 417 may "click" into a stopping position. This stopping action may also be enhanced by the elastic force of seal 408, which vertically pushes the container 401 against the locking ring 407, as can be seen in Fig. 27. This stopping action may help to let the user know when the first aperture 414 is aligned to a pocket 402, which can be best seen in Fig. 26 and Fig, 27. A user may feel the stopping action through one's hands or hear it.

[0197] Referring to Fig. 20, a hollow extension 411 may be configured as a tube and coupled to the first aperture 414, according to at least one embodiment. Since the first aperture 414 is located on the top 412 according to the present implementation, the hollow extension 411 may be coupled to the first aperture 414 by any conventional means (pressed together, laser welded, etc,). Furthermore, it is illustrated in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 that the hollow extension 411 extends towards a portion of the container 401 called a pocket 402, This allows heated air coming into the consumable 400 to be directed towards a specific pocket 402 of the container 401, Each pocket 402 may hold a specific amount of one or more active substance 405, as shown in Fig. 20. The active substance 405 inside a pocket 402 may be vaporized until depletion when a flow of heated gas is channeled towards it through the hollow extension 411. The vaporized active substance escapes the consumable 400 via the second aperture 415 along with the heated air.

[0019] More generally, it is understood that even without a hollow extension and any pocket, a first aperture may be positioned on a cap such that it is opposing a certain portion of a container. It may even be located on a side wall of a cap. The general effect to be achieved is the following: a rotation of a container relative to a cap results in a corresponding and differentiable rotation of the container relative to a first aperture, especially if the first aperture were off-axis from the rotational axis. Thus, heated air coming through a first aperture can be aimed at different regions and / or portions of a container by rotating the container relative to the cap to which It is rotationally coupled. In this way, an active substance contained in the consumable can be vaporized gradually and incrementally by rotating the container relative to the cap, according to at least one embodiment. Although they may not be necessary, having the pockets 402 and the hollow extension 411 according to the figures may increase the precision and efficiency of vaporizing the active substance 405 incrementally, thus allowing for a more precise dosing to an end user.

[0199] Referring to Fig. 20, the exemplary embodiment shown may further comprise a mesh structure 404, which may be made from a food-grade metal material and molded into shape. The mesh structures 404 are located at least partially inside the container 401. Referring to Fig, 27, it is shown in the present embodiment that the mesh structure 404 is individually positioned inside each pocket 402. The function of the mesh structure 404 is to help attract and hold at least a portion of the active substance 405 in place (due to capillary action) when it exists in a liquid form. It may help to prevent unwanted leaking of the active substance 405, while it is in a liquid form (perhaps due to heat), to be mixed into the flow of heated gas inhaled by the user. Components 401, 407, 09, and 412 may comprise a food-grade sheet metal manufactured by conventional manufacturing processes such as those used for manufacturing metal bottle caps.

[0200] In general, the term mesh structure includes any wicking materials or porous mediums that may function the same. Some materials may include cotton fiber, cellulose fiber, porous ceramics, porous paper, etc. In other implementations, a container may comprise a transparent material such as glass, quartz, or a transparent thermal plastic, etc,, in which case it may not be necessary to comprise any pocket or any container indentation. A cross-section of a container along its central, vertical axis may form a " W" cross-sectional shape, in which an active substance may be held in the vailey regions of the * ”. Furthermore, if a mesh structure were to be used, it may be of a single ring-shaped body sitting in the valley region of the " W" as opposed to the five individual ones shown in the figures. If an active substance is visible through a transparentcontainer, a user may rotate the container relative to the cap to aim the flow of heated gas at the active substance until it is visibly vaporized.

[0201] The exemplary consumable 400 may be suitable for cannabis extracts. This Includes (but is not limited to) rosin, resin, wax, etc., and others that are currently used by consumers in the market to date. As mentioned previously, some of these substances tend to clog the pores or wicking system of conventional cannabis atomizers, especially given the fact that each active substance has unique viscosities and vaporization temperatures (under various operating conditions). By using a cartridge system like consumable 400 where heated air is used to extract active substances without heavily relying on wicking systems or porous mediums within an atomizer, the various issues associated with conventional cannabis cartridge systems may be alleviated or bypassed altogether.|OO202] The active substance 405 may or may not be part of the consumable 400 when It is being manufactured or sold. When an active substance 405 is included in the consumable 400, ths top 412 (with seal 413 installed on It) is installed onto the consumable 400 after the container 401 is filled with the active substance 405. This may be accomplished by utilizing a filling machine to precisely fill each consumable 400 (without the top 412) at the right temperatures. Once the top 412 is installed, the consumable 400 may be sealed with a cover and / or a packaging to help ensure the appropriate shelf life and longevity of the active substance 405. Furthermore, there may be more than one active substance 405 in a consumable 400.[00203| An exemplary embodiment of a receptacle 500 is shown in Fig. 28 - Fig. 32. Referring to Fig, 28, it comprises a rotating wheel 528 coupled to a base 527 by an axil 529, which may be threaded onto the base 527. During assembly, an internal support 531 is positioned on the base 527 before a casing 530. With the three components 527, 530, and 531 aligned, they may be secured by two screws 534 from above. Afterwards, the magnets 532 and 533 may be pressed and / or glued into the internal support 531. Aside from the opening for the magnet 533, the top surface of the internal support 531 has two cutouts joined to the openings for the two screws 534. As can be seen best in Fig. 29, the cutouts on the internal support 531 are for locking the alignment features 416 on the cap 406 (see Fig, 21) when the consumable 400 is placed into the receptacle 500. The cutout on the top surface of the rotating wheel 528 matches the external shape of the container 401 and mates with the pockets 402 (see Fig. 28 and Fig. 22). When the consumable 400 is placed into the receptacle 500, a user may rotate the container 401 relative to the cap 406 by turning the rotating wheel 528 because the cutouts of the internal support 531 rotationally lock the cap 406 by securing the alignment features 416. Referring to Fig. 29 ~ Fig.31, the rotating wheel 528 may have numbers matching each pocket 402 of the container 401, The casing 530 may have an indicator (such as a triangular shape as shown) pointing to a number on the rotating wheel 528 (see Fig. 31), These features help users to keep track of which pocket 402 they are currently using.(00204] In another embodiment, to help with the ease of installation of the consumable 400 onto the receptacle 500, the receptacle 500 may further comprise a clicking mechanism. It may click into place whenever a number on the rotating wheel 528 lines up with the indicator on the casing 530, This clicking mechanism can be added by creating five circular indentations that are angularly and evenly spaced out on the base 527 around the vertical axis of the axel 529. Furthermore, a well or a pit may be added to the bottom surface of the rotating wheel 528 (but extending upwards into it) that is deep and wide enough to house a spring pushing a metal ball downwards. Whenever the metal bail Is above one of the five indentations, the rotating wheel 528 will "click" into place. In another embodiment where a transparent container without any pocket is utilized, a rotating wheel may be omitted altogether from a receptacle. Instead, an opening may be configured on a receptacle to allow users to rotate a container directly. One who is skilled in the art can make these and other adjustments without departing from the nature or the disclosed invention.(00205] Another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 600 is shown in Fig, 33 - Fig.40, which comprises a receptacle 602 and a device held together by an exterior body 606. it should be noted that the term "device" in this context is used to describe the assembled product of the components shown In Fig, 33, but not including the receptacle 602 or the consumable 680, according to at least one embodiment. Referring to Fig. 34, the receptacle 602 is removably attached to the device magnetically. In general, any form of removable attachment that is currently and commonly available in the consumer electronics market may be used. For this embodiment, the two magnets 619 on the device shown in Fig. 34 may attract to corresponding magnets of the receptacle 602 in the horizontal direction, which may be like magnets 532 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 30. As best illustrated in Fig. 39, magnet 618 on the device attracts magnet 633 on the receptacle 602 in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 34, a consumable 680 may removably couple to the receptacle 602. Referring to Fig. 39, when the receptacle 602 carrying the consumable 680 is attached to the device, seal 693 on the consumable 680 helps to ensure heated air flowing out of the second opening 668 of heater 660 enters a first aperture of the consumable 680, and the first aperture may be connected to a hollow extension 691, The heated air may be directed towards a pocket 682 to vaporize an active substance 685 containedinside it. The heated air and vaporized active substance may escape through a second aperture 695 into a mouthpiece module 626 located on the device. This process repeats when a user inhales through the apparatus 600 while It is activated.

[0206] Referring to Fig. 33, the apparatus 600 comprising the device and the receptacle 602 is shown in an exploded view. The process of assembly and discussion of additional features of the device according to this embodiment shall now be presented. Magnets 618 and 619 are installed onto the foundation 616 and may be press-fitted and / or glued on, A heater 660 is installed on the foundation 616 by using two screws. Seal 623 is inserted into a slot located on tubular insert 604, which is installed vertically downward onto the foundation 616 and secured by two screws. An opening on the top of the tubular insert 604 that matches the outline of heater 660 (when viewed from the top) fits around it and helps to hold it in place. Seal 623 comprises an opening that fluidly connects the cylindrical opening of tubular insert 604 to a first opening of heater 660. This helps to ensure the air flowing downwards within the cylindrical opening is directed into the heater 660. Seal 620 is installed on the pressure sensor 613 located on the controller 603 (Le¬ the circuit board, see Fig. 35 and Fig. 37), which is electrically connected to the battery 605 (connection not shown in figures). The controller 603 is then installed onto the foundation 616 and secured by clipping into the clips extending from the top of tubular insert 604. The controller 603 may be electrically connected to the heater at this stage. Next, a button lever 622 is installed on the foundation 616 and secured by a screw. The result of the steps of assembly mentioned above is shown in Fig. 35. The foundation 616 along with the installed components are then inserted into the exterior body 606 from the bottom and secured by two screws. A button 621 can then be installed into the exterior body 606 and secured by being clipped onto the button lever 622. The airflow seals 610 and 611 are positioned on the top of tubular insert 604 from above, followed by installing the top cap 615 onto the exterior body 606 and securing it with two screws. Referring to Fig. 40, the airf low seals 610 and 611 each contain an airflow connector 612 fluidly connected to the airflow intakes 617 located on the exterior body 606 (also see Fig. 36). The airflow connector 612 refers to the internal cutout located on the airflow seals 610 and 611, which are fluidly connected to the cylindrical opening of the tubular insert 604. Referring to Fig.33, a pressure sensor seal 624 is positioned in the corresponding cutout on top cap 615 and secured by clipping a flexible cover 625 onto the top cap 615. Both the pressure sensor seal 624 and the flexible cover 625 are removable from the device so that users can clean them. Finally, the mouthpiece module 626 is inserted into the device and rotationally locked into place.

[0207] A detailed view of mouthpiece module 626 inside the device is shown in Fig. 40. A side hole 652 is configured to connect to an air pathway 651 internal to the module 626 and isolated from the main airflow path through which a heated flow of gas and vaporized substance may be inhaled. The side hole 652 fluidly connects to pressure sensor seal 624, which connects to seal 620 contacting the pressure sensor 613 (see Fig. 37). These seals help the pressure sensor 613 sense a pressure change when a user inhales through the mouthpiece module 626 by sealing off unwanted airflow between surfaces of each associated component. However, over time with extended use, condensation may collect in the pressure sensor seal 624, Thus, it is removable for cleaning.

[0208] A mouthpiece mo ule 800 of an apparatus is shown in greater detail from Fig. 44 to Fig.46, according to at least one embodiment. Fig. 44 illustrates that the mouthpiece module 800 comprises a mouthpiece 810 and a spiraled straw 820, The mouthpiece 810 further comprises a side hole 812, It is illustrated in Fig. 46 that the side hole 812 fluidly connects to an air pathway 814 internal to the mouthpiece 810, which along with the main pathway 816 are configured to be inserted and fluidly connected to the mouth of a user. The main pathway 816 is fluidly connected to the interior pathway 822 of the spiraled straw 820, but both are isolated from air pathway 814, which may be configured to fluidly connect to a pressure sensor of an apparatus. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece 810, the air pathway 814 experiences a pressure drop that may propagate to a pressure sensor of an apparatus. The configuration of having an isolated air path connecting to a pressure sensor may enable faster activation and response time of an apparatus when a user inhales through a mouthpiece,

[0209] Referring to Fig. 44, the mouthpiece module 800 comprises a spiraled straw 820, which can be made from extrusion initially and subsequently shaped with the spiraled groove as shown. The spiraled straw 820 may comprise a metal material with a relatively good thermal conductivity. The spiraled straw 820 may be configured to function as a heat exchanger that cools down a flow of heated gas before it enters the mouth of a user so it is not too hot for the user. For Instance, cool air can be configured to flow along the exterior surface of the spiraled straw 820 while simultaneously the flow of heated gas can flow through the interior pathway 822 and the main pathway 816 before entering the mouth of a user. Thus, more heat may be added to the flow of heated gas by the exterior surface of the spiraled straw 820. This useful feature may be readily implemented in an apparatus like the one shown from Fig. 33 to Fig. 40. For example, cool air may enter a device through airflow intakes 617 and be configured to flow along the exterior surface of a spiraled straw 650 (see Fig. 40). It is estimated that thisconfiguration can ower the temperature of a flow of heated gas entering the mouth of a user by about 100 degrees Celsius when such a flow enters the interior pathway 822 at around 250 degrees Celsius.

[0210] An exemplary embodiment of a heater 700 is shown from Fig. 41 to Fig, 43, which comprises a housing and an electrical heating element. The electrical heating element comprises two oblong tubular bodies 721 laterally spaced apart from each other and electrically connected in series by an electrically conductive jumper 723 (see Fig, 42). Its housing further comprises a front housing 714, a back housing 715, a bottom housing 713, a flow joint 716, seals 712, 709, and 710. According to Fig. 41, there is a proximal end 702 and a distal end 703 located on the housing. Fig. 43 shows a first opening 707 for a flow of gas to enter the housing and a second opening 708 for the flow to exit the housing. In addition to supporting the oblong tubular bodies 721, the housing mounts a first electrical terminal 722a shown in Fig. 41 on one of the oblong tubular bodies 721. By symmetry, the housing mounts a second electrical terminal 722b on the other oblong tubular body 721, which is shown in Fig. 42. The first electrical terminal 722a and the second electrical terminal 722b may be wired or connected to a source of electrical power to energize the electrical heating element. This Implementation has the advantage of enabling a flow of heated gas to be directed vertically downwards and with sufficient momentum towards a consumable, such as consumable 400 shown previously.

[0211] The implementations of apparatuses, heaters, and electrical heating elements shown in this specification have the capability of generating rapid convection heating. Using heated air to rapidly vaporize and extract active substances may require innovation on new structures of consumables suitable for such rapid transfer of energy. In particular, the air entering the mouth of a user cannot be too hot. One method to prevent this is to enable cool air to be mixed into the airflow after the vaporized extraction occurs but before the airflow enters one's mouth. Referring to Fig. 47, a consumable 900 comprises a medium 935, a fixture 936 coupled to the medium 935, a material 938 comprising an active substance, and an elongated body 937 for holding the aforementioned items. This implementation of a consumable 900 (shown from Fig.47 to Fig. 55) may be suitable for an apparatus such as the one disclosed in Fig, 14 - Fig. 19. The medium 935 may be a porous filter commonly used in cigarettes, or it may be a porous ceramic, etc. The fixture 936 may comprise a food-grade metal material and be molded or stamped into shape. Referring to Fig. 55, it may further comprise at least one aperture 942 configured to let air pass through and an opening 941 into which the medium 935 may be plugged. Thus, fixture 936 couples to medium 935 and holds it for ease of installation during assembly. The elongatedbody 937 may comprise a paper material commonly used for wrapping cigarettes, or it may comprise a thermal plastic or other material More generally, an elongated body may comprise more than one section joined together by various means. The material 938 may comprise tobacco leaves or cannabis flowers with other ingredients or additives. In general, a material may be a dry herb with or without further additives. The material, however, would necessarily have at least one active substance capable of being vaporized by a flow of heated gas.

[0212] Referring to Fig. 48, the elongated body 937 is illustrated according to at least one embodiment to comprise a proximal end 939 and a distal end 940. An Insertion section 944, which is delineated by the dotted box labeled 944, originates from the proximal end 939 and extends towards the distal end 940 but does not reach it. It is the region or area on the elongated body 937 configured to be inserted Into a user’s mouth. A compartment 945, which is delineated by the dotted box labeled 945, originates from the distal end 940 and extends towards the proximal end 939. It Is configured to contain material 938 comprising at least one active substance to be vaporized and delivered to a user. In general, an Insertion section should be long enough to be held in a user's mouth and may have some overlap with a compartment. Furthermore, it is also possible for a compartment to extend all the way to a proximal end so that the compartment encompasses an insertion section entirely. However, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 48, the insertion section 944 and the compartment 945 are shown as two adjacent, connected sections, each of which is delineated by its respective dotted box.

[0213] Referring to Fig. 50, an entrance 947 configured to receive a flow of heated gas into the compartment 945 Is located on the distal end 940. The entrance 947 is an openingfor heated air to enter the compartment 945 from an external convection heater like the one illustrated from Fig. 6 to Fig. 13. Consumable 900 Is not configured for combustion and should not be associated with normal cigarettes.

[0214] Referring to Fig. 48 and Fig. 49, the elongated body 937 may comprise a peripheral wall 948 extending from the proximal end 939 to the distal end 940, according to at least one embodiment. Referring to Fig. 51, the peripheral wall 948 comprises at least one airhole 943 configured to allow air from the environment to enter the elongated body 937. Referring to Fig.49, there is an egress 946 located on the proximal end 939 of the elongated body 937, and it is configured to connect: fluidly inside the elongated body 937 to the entrance 947 and to the airholes 943 (see Fig. 53 and Fig. 54). The egress 946 is the opening through which air and the vaporized portion of the active substance escape the elongated body 937 and enter the mouth of the user. Therefore, upon user Inhalation, the heated air from the entrance 947, the cool airthrough the airholes 943 from the environment, and a portion of vaporized active substance contained in the material 938 form a mixture as they travel towards the egress 946. This mixture may be at a significantly lower temperature compared to the heated air entering through the entrance 947. Also, the concentration of the vaporized portion of active substances may be reduced in the mixture.

[0215] Referring to Fig. 54, the relationships between various features and components are better illustrated in the detail view. A material 938 may fill the compartment 945 up to the fixture 936. The material 938 may be a loose leaf, or a grounded flower, or some similar material that may be in bits and pieces and containing an active substance extractable by vaporization. At least a portion of aperture 942 is positioned below the medium 935 and above the airholes 943, i,e. in between them. This configuration allows heated air coming from the entrance 947 and the cold air coming from the airholes 943 to mix as they travel through the apertures 942, thereby lowering the temperature of the air entering the mouth of a user. Moreover, airholes 943 may provide cooling to the heated air after vaporization. As the flow of heated gas and vaporized substances travel toward the egress 946, cool air from the airholes 943 joins the flow near the end of the compartment 945 (see Fig, 54),

[0021] In general, a consumable may or may not comprise a fixture. If the elongated body 937 were made from a thermal plastic material that is molded into shape, fixture 936 may be replaced with an internal wall at the same internal location by being part of the mold. Similar apertures may be located on the internal wall. Such an internal wall would be configured to serve the same purpose: to be a boundary for a compartment of a consumable. Alternatively, If the elongated body 937 were to comprise more than one connected component, fixture 936 may be incorporated onto one of the components. Alternatively, medium 935 without fixture 936 may also be sufficient for mixing the cold and hot air together and acting as a boundary for material 938. The medium 935 can be seen in Fig. 53 to extend all the way to the egress 946 of the elongated body 937, Because the medium 935 may be a porous filter, it is fluidly connected to the egress 946. A consumable may also function without a medium.

[0217] in general, if an elongated body comprises more than one component, and openings (i.e. gaps or gaps between ridges or airflow channels or pores) between components allow cool air inside, those openings may serve as the same function as airholes 943. Another related example is the fact that almost every material has some degree of porosity, so any material used to make the peripheral wall 948 may have some tiny openings for a minute amount of air to escape into the elongated body 937. Airholes 943 is not to be confused with this type ofunwanted or unintended leakage of air through a slightly porous material constituting the peripheral wall 948. For example, wrapping paper commonly used for cigarettes that has pores should not be considered as airholes. That is not to say the airholes 948 cannot be pores. For example, if the peripheral wall 948 has a porous region near the end of the compartment 945 contributing 10 percent or more to the airflow leaving the egress 946, the porous region is to be understood as a plethora of airholes 943. It is estimated that 7 pairs of 0,5mm diameter airholes 943 evenly spaced around a 6,2mm diameter peripheral wall 948 may allow cool air from the environment to constitute roughly 50 percent of the air exiting the egress 946. One who is skilled in the art can modify the shape, number, position, and other design attributes of airholes to lower the temperature of a flow of heated gas entering the mouth of a user.[00218| Referring to Fig. 56, an apparatus may comprise an alternative embodiment of a heater 1000 shown in the exploded view. Heater 1000 comprises the housing 1001 shown in Fig. 57 and the electrical heating element 1030 shown in Fig. 58. Housing 1001 comprises a bottom housing 1019, a top housing 1013, a flow joint 1016, and a mesh cover 1011. As shown In Fig. 57, the housing 1001 comprises a proximal end 1002 and a distal end 1003, The electrical heating element 1030 comprises four oblong tubular bodies 1031 laterally spaced apart from one another. As best illustrated in Fig. 58 and Fig. 59, an electrically conductive jumper 1032c and two electrically conductive jumpers 1032d electrically connects the four oblong tubular bodies 1031 in series. It can be seen from Fig. 60 that the electrical heating element 1030 comprises a first end 1033 and a second end 1034, which are the regions where a first and second end of each individual oblong tubular body 1031 are located. It may be inferred from Fig. 59 that each inlet 1035 of the four oblong tubular bodies 1031 is located on the first end 1033 shown in Fig, 60, Similarly, it may be inferred from Fig. 58 that each outlet 1036 of the four oblong tubular bodies 1031 is located on the second end 1034 shown in Fig. 60. As best seen in Fig, 62 ~ Fig. 64, housing 1001 mounts a first electrical terminal 1032a and a second electrical terminal 1032b, both of which may be configured to connect to a source of electrical power for energizing the electrical heating element 1030. Fig. 58 also illustrates how the first and second electrical terminals 1032a and 1032b are connected to the electrical heating element 1030. In general, a first and second electrical terminal may be components of an electrical heating element depending on the context of the implementation; or they may be parts of an apparatus configured to connect to an electrical heating element. This technicality may be determined by the design and method of assembly of an apparatus.33

[0219] As best seen in Fig. 63 and Fig. 65, heater 1000 has two first openings 1007 (the one not shown is symmetrically located on the opposite side of the one shown). Analyzed together with Fig. 66, one may observe that a flow of gas may enter the heater 1000 through the first opening 1007, then travels through an air gap 1005 before reaching spatial extensions 1006, and then travels into inlets 1035. As best seen in Fig. 67, a second opening 1008 is coupled to the outlets 1036 in a way that the flow of gas flowing out of the outlets 1036 enters a first empty region 1047 and then a second empty region 1048 before exiting the second opening 1008. The second empty region 1048 has a smaller cross-section for the flow of gas to travel through than the first empty region 1047. Therefore, the flow of gas may be compressed as it travels through said second empty region 1048, which may improve its thermal uniformity before exiting the second opening 1008. Because the mesh cover 1011 on the proximal end 1002 (see Fig. 57) has tiny openings for the flow of gas to exit heater 1000, it may function as a platform adapted to temporarily support a consumable to be readily heated by said flow. A tubular receptacle (not shown) may be attached to the proximal end 1002 for holding the consumable.

[0220] The heater 1000, illustrated according to at least one implementation, has the advantage of being relatively short in construction, which may be advantageous for making consumer electronic devices of a certain aspect ratio. It also has a housing 1001 of a relatively low mass and fewer components in comparison to other embodiments, which may save cost and increase energy efficiency during sustained heating cycles.

[0221] In one exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 68 - Fig. 76., an apparatus may comprise an electrical heating element 1100 in which a second oblong tubular body 1101b is positioned at least partially inside a first oblong tubular body 1101a. An electrically conductive jumper 1102c connects the two oblong tubular bodies 1101a and 1101b electrically in series (see Fig. 68, Fig.74, and Fig. 76), A first electrical terminal 1102a connects to the electrical heating element 1100 on a first end 1103a (see Fig. 72) of the first oblong tubular body 1101a. Similarly, a second electrical terminal 1102b connects to the electrical heating element 1100 on a second end 1104b (see Fig. 69) of the second oblong tubular body 1101b.

[0222] It is shown in Fig. 69 that an inlet 1105b is located on a first end 1103b and an outlet 1106b on a second end 1104b of the second oblong tubular body 1101b. Referring to Fig. 70, the second oblong tubular body 1101b also has an interior surface 1107b and an exterior surface 1108b. Similarly, for the first oblong tubular body 1101a, Fig. 72 shows that an inlet 1105a is located on a first end 1103a and an outlet 1106a on a second end 1104a. The first oblong tubular body 1101a also has an interior surface 1107a and an exterior surface 1108a, as shown in Fig.73, As shown in Fig, 76, the electrically conductive jumper 1102c blocks both the second end 1104a and the first end 1103b, However, because inlet 1105b is configured as a cutout of the tubular wall located at the first end 1103b, air flowing downwards along the interior surface 1107a can travel through air inlet 1105b and continue along the interior surface 1107b before exiting outlet 1106b. Thus, It is apparent that a flow of gas may enter electrical heating element 1100 via inlet 1105a and exit via outlet 1106b, A corresponding housing may be configured to enable air to flow upwards along the exterior surface 1108a from the second end 1104a to the first end 1103a before entering inlet 1105a.[O0223| The embodiment shown in Fig, 68 ~ Fig. 76 has the benefit of heating the airflow between the Interior surface 1107a and the exterior surface 1108b with additional heating power due to having more surface area for convective heat transfer. Because the first oblong tubular body 1101a has a larger diameter, it may or may not have a different electrical resistance from the second oblong tubular body 1101b. Therefore, the two oblong tubular bodies 1101a and 1101b may or may not be maintained at different temperatures. Such a configuration may be further optimized to improve thermal uniformity and achieve a desired convection heating effect by one who is skilled in the art,[00224[ In general, one skilled in the art may configure a second oblong tubular body to be at least partially inside a first oblong tubular body, and the two oblong tubular bodies may be electrically connected in parallel or In series. Different airflow configurations may be achieved with different housings and / or electrically conductive jumpers. For example, If an electrically conductive jumper were to have one or more opening functioning as one or more inlet, airflow can be directed from one end of an electrical heating element to the other end without turning back. Then, one end of the electrical heating element contains all the inlets, and the opposite end contains all the outlets. Airf low may travel across both interior and exterior surfaces of both oblong tubular bodies. Similar airflow configurations may be achieved by having two oblong tubular bodies electrically connected In parallel; they may sharing a first electrical terminal on one end and a second electrical terminal on the opposite end.

[0225] in some implementations, it is possible to have more than one tubular wall configured to form a single oblong tubular body. Consider the exemplary embodiment shown In Fig, 77 where a first electrical terminal 1202a and a second electrical terminal 1202b connect to the oblong tubular body 1201 to form an electrical heating element 1200. Analyzing the oblong tubular body 1201 from Fig. 80 to Fig, 83, it is shown that the exterior surface 1208 and interior surface 1207 extend downward from a first end 1203 for some length to form an outer tubularwall. The surfaces 1207 and 1208 then fold Inward and upward to form an inner tubular wall that extends out of the first end 1203. A second end 1204 is located on the inner tubular wall and positioned above the first end 1203. Thus, the oblong tubular body 1201 comprises an outer tubular wall and an inner tubular wall where the outer tubular wall at least partially encloses the inner tubular wall.{00226] Analyzing Fig. 80 and Fig. 81, an inlet 1205 is located on the first end 1203, and an outlet 1206 is located on the second end 1204. As shown in Fig. 77 ~ Fig. 79, a first electrical terminal 1202a connects to the first end 1203 andasecond electrical terminal 1202b connects to the second end 1204. An additional air hole 1213 can be configured, as shown in Fig. 82, to enable air to flow from the inlet 1205 through the air hole 1213 towards the air outlet 1206, provided that the bottom of the oblong tubular body 1201 is sealed by a correspondingly configured housing or component. Common sheet metal manufacturing processes can be used to shape the oblong tubular body 1201, and CNC machining or a similar process can be used to make the air hole 1213. This embodiment may achieve the benefits of the one in Fig. 68 - Fig. 76 but with fewer components for manufacturing and assembly.(00227 It should be noted that the definitions of inlet 1205, outlet 1206, the first end 1203, and the second end 1204 may depend on the configuration of a housing supporting the electrical heating element 1200. For example, the air hole 1213 may be configured as an inlet receiving a flow from a first opening of a housing; similarly, the inlet 1205 and outlet 1206 may both be configured to be outlets. In this scenario, the first end 1203 may become part of a second end; the bottom region of the air hole 1213 would become a first end. Thus, one who is skilled in the art can readily configure the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein to achieve multiple configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.(00228] An apparatus may comprise a heater 1300 illustrated in Fig. 84 - Fig. 92, which utilizes a housing comprising a chamber 1311 adapted to temporarily carry a consumable, according to at least one implementation. This embodiment is advantageous for vaporizing consumables such as loose-leaf tobacco, grounded cannabis flower, and the like. As illustrated in Fig. 84, heater 1300 comprises four oblong tubular bodies 1351 laterally spaced apart and supported by a housing. The main components of the housing include a central housing 1310, a housing panel 1320, a front housing 1330, a back housing 1335, a flow joint 1340, and a flow joint panel 1342. Seals 1321, 1336, 1341, and 1343 help to prevent unwanted airflow between the housing components. The front housing 1330 and back housings 1335 may be secured to the central housing 1310 by a screw 1301 and a nut 1302. Also shown in Fig, 84, portions of an internalinterface 1363 are labeled on the front housing 1330 and central housing 1310, which have symmetrical counterparts (not labeled) on the back housing 1335 and the opposite side on the central housing 1310. A portion of the internal interface 1363 is located on the interior surface of the flow joint 1340 around where the oblong tubular bodies 1351 connect (not labeled). The internal interface 1363 together forms a cavity 1365 (see Fig. 87) between a proximal end 1370 as and a distal end 1371 of the housing. The proximal end 1370 is on housing panel 1320 and the distal end 1371 on the flow joint panel 1342, which may be seen in Fig. 91 and Fig. 92, respectively. The internal interface 1363 is configured to enclose the oblong tubular bodies 1351 at least partially.|O0229J Fig. 84 - Fig, 92 illustrate how the housing mounts a first electrical terminal 1352a and a second electrical terminal 1352b, which may connect to a source of electrical power for energizing the electrical heating element inside heater 1300. As shown in Fig. 84, each electrically conductive jumper 1353 joins two oblong tubular bodies 1351 and electrically connects them in series. These pairs of oblong tubular bodies 1351 are in turn electrically connected in series by an electrically conductive jumper 1354. The first and second electrical terminals 1352a and 1352b connect to the electrical heating element comprising the oblong tubular bodies 1351. (00230) When all the components shown in Fig. 84 are assembled, they form a convection heater that heats a flow of gas. It can be seen in Fig. 87 that each cavity 1365 further comprises a first opening 1361. A flow of gas may enter the housing from the first openings 1361 and be heated inside cavity 1365 by the oblong tubular bodies 1351 before the flow enters the inlets 1355. The flow of gas gains additional heat from the oblong tubular bodies 1351 (while the electrical heating elements are energized) before exiting outlets 1356. It then travels into a first empty region 1367 enclosed by surfaces of the flow joint 1340 and flow joint panel 1342, which redirects the flow to enter through a second empty region 1368 followed by a third empty region 1369 (see also Fig. 90). As mentioned in similar embodiments, the second empty region 1368 has a smaller cross-section for the flow to travel through compared to the first empty region 1367, which introduces a compression of the flow in the second empty region 1368. This compression of the flow may improve Its thermal uniformity. The third empty region 1369 allows the heated flow of gas to expand and travel through apertures 1312 (see Fig. 91 and Fig. 92) Into chamber 1311 to extract an active substance from a consumable contained therein. A sufficient air-tight cover on an apparatus may be utilized to seal the top opening to chamber 1311, which will enable the flow of heated gas to pass into region 1366 before exiting a second opening 1362 of the housing (see Fig. 90). It is implied that a negative pressure gradient acts upon the secondopening 1362 due to user inhalation, which initiates the flow of gas to enter the first openings 1361.

[0231] In general a housing may comprise a chamber instead of a platform for temporarily carrying a consumable. Furthermore, a housing may support oblong tubular bodies configured to be adjacent to or surrounding such a chamber. The embodiment shown in Fig. 84 to Fig, 92 illustrates this concept and is advantageous for loose tobacco leaves or grounded cannabis flower. Another embodiment may configure oblong tubular bodies vertically surrounding a chamber designed to carry a tobacco heat stick and the like. The chamber would then likely be cylindrical in shape. Utilizing a housing comprising a chamber surrounded by an electrical heating element may have space-saving advantages. Not positioning the oblong tubular bodies around the chamber implies they will take up space elsewhere in an apparatus.|00232] Various embodiments and implementations of electrical heating elements, housings, heaters, consumables, and apparatuses are disclosed in this specification. The general method of operating an apparatus, according to at least one implementation, is as follows: 1) select an oblong tubular body made from a metallic material having a first electrical conductivity which allows it to act as a heating element, 2) secure a source of electrical power to the oblong tubular body, 3) secure a consumable to a platform, or a chamber, or a receptacle, or a combination thereof, 4) fluidly connect a consumable to an outlet of said body, 5) heating the oblong tubular body by producing an electrical current In the oblong tubular body, 6) generating a flow of air through said body to create a heated flow; and 7) directing the heated flow onto the consumable thereby vaporizing it. If this process raises the temperature of the oblong tubular body to between 50°C and 1400°C, an active substance may be vaporized,

[0233] The foregoing written description enables one of ordinary skill to appreciate and make use of the variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples of the present invention. The invention, however, should not be limited by the described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

[0234] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, modifications can be made and other embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus which comprises:an electrical heating element;wherein said electrical heating element comprises an oblong tubular body; wherein said oblong tubular body comprises:an electrically resistive material;an inlet; and,an outlet;whereby a flow of gas entering said inlet is heated by said electrical heating element before said flow exits said outlet while said electrical heating element is energized.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body comprises:a first end; and,a second end;wherein said inlet is located at said first end, and said outlet is located at said second end.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1, which further comprises:a first electrical terminal connected to said electrical heating element;a second electrical terminal connected to said electrical heating element; wherein said first electrical terminal is spaced apart from said second electrical terminal; and,a source of electrical power connected to said first and second electrical terminals.

4. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body further comprises:an outer tubular wall; and,an inner tubular wall;whereas said outer tubular wall at least partially encloses said inner tubular wall.

5. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body has a length between 5 mm and 300 mm.

6. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body has a bend proximate to said outlet.

7. The apparatus of Claim 1, which further comprises a disuniformity along said oblong tubular body.

8. The apparatus of Claim 1, which further comprises a plurality of spaced apart disuniformities along said oblong tubular body.

9. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body comprises a dielectric material.

10. The apparatus of Claim 1,. wherein said oblong tubular body is a first oblong tubular body; and, said apparatus further comprises a second oblong tubular body laterally spaced apart from said first oblong tubular body.

11. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body is a first oblong tubular body; and, said apparatus further comprises a second oblong tubular body positioned at least partially inside said first oblong tubular body.

12. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body has a substantially uniform diameter,13. The apparatus of Claim 12, wherein said diameter is between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

14. The apparatus of Claim 12, wherein said oblong tubular body further comprises:a first portion; and,a second portion;wherein said first portion is substantially cylindrical and said second portion is substantially curved,15. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body comprises a metallic material having a first conductivity.

16. The apparatus of Claim 15, wherein said first conductivity is between 13,500 and 70,000,000 Siemens per meter.

17. The apparatus of Claim 15, wherein said metallic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel. Monel, Incoloy, Inconel, Hastelloy, and alloys thereof.18, The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said oblong tubular body consists of a metallic material having a first conductivity.

19. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said electrical heating element has an electrical resistance between 0.01 Ohm and 2.00 Ohms between said first and second terminals.

20. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a housing supporting said oblong tubular body.

21. The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said housing mounts a source of electrical power wired to energize said electrical heating element.

22. The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said housing comprises a platform adapted to temporarily support a consumable to be heated by said flow.

23. The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said housing comprises a chamber adapted to temporarily carry a consumable to be heated by said flow.24, The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said housing further comprises an empty region configured to compress said flow after said flow exits said outlet, whereas said flow has a thermal uniformity while exiting said outlet; whereby a compression of said flow by said empty region improves said thermal uniformity.

25. The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said housing further comprises:a proximal end;a distal end; and,an internal interface forming a cavity between said proximal end and said distal end; whereas said internal interface is configured to enclose at least partially said oblong tubular body.

26. The apparatus of Claim 25, wherein said housing is further configured to have an air gap between at least a portion of said oblong tubular body and said internal interface; whereby said air gap provides thermal insulation to said oblong tubular body.

27. The apparatus of Claim 25, wherein said cavity further comprises a first opening; and said inlet is further configured to be inside and fluidly connected to said cavity; whereby said flow enters said cavity through said first opening and is heated inside said cavity before reaching said Inlet while said electrical heating element is energized,28. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a receptacle configured to temporarily carry a consumable to be heated by said flow.

29. The apparatus of Claim 28, wherein said apparatus further comprises a device body; and, said receptacle is further configured to be removably attached to said device body.

30. A consumable configured to receive a flow of heated gas for vaporizing an active substance deliverable to a user, the consumable comprising:a container for holding said active substance; and,a cap comprising a first aperture configured to receive said flow;wherein said cap is rotationally coupled to said container; whereby a rotation of said cap relative to said container generates a corresponding rotation of said first aperture relative to said container31, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said consumable further comprises a second aperture configured for said flow to exit said consumable.32, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said container further comprises a pocket for holding said active substance,33, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said consumable further comprises a mesh structure for holding said active substance, wherein said mesh structure is positioned at least partially inside said container,34, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said consumable further comprises said active substance.35, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said cap further comprises a hollow extension connected to said first aperture.36, The consumable of Claim 30, wherein said cap further comprises:a perimeter structure configured to be an enclosure with an open upper end and bottom end;a top coupled to said upper end and comprising said first aperture; and,a locking ring coupled to said bottom end configured to secure said container to said cap,37, A consumable for receiving a flow of heated gas to vaporize an active substance deliverable to a user, said consumable comprising:a material comprising said active substance; and,an elongated body comprising:a compartment for containing said material;an insertion section fluidly connected to said compartment;at least one airhole configured to allow an airflow to enter said elongated body; an entrance to receive said flow of heated gas into said compartment; and, an egress for said flow to escape said insertion section;wherein said insertion section is configured to be held by the mouth of said user for inhalation;whereby upon inhalation by said user, said flow of heated gas vaporizes said active substance and mixes with said airflow before entering the mouth of said user.4338. The consumable of Claim 37, wherein said elongated body further comprises an internal wall positioned between said compartment and said egress; whereas said internal wall comprises at least one aperture; wherein at least a portion of said aperture is positioned between said egress and said airhole; whereby said airflow and said flow travel through said aperture upon user Inhalation,39- The consumable of Claim 38, wherein said insertion section further comprises a porous medium fluidly coupled to said egress.

40. The consumable of Claim 39, wherein said internal wall is further configured to be a fixture coupled to said medium; whereby said fixture holds said medium for ease of installation during assembly.

41. A method for vaporizing an active substance of a consumable wherein said method comprises:selecting an oblong tubular body made from a metallic material having a first electrical conductivity which allows said body to act as a heating element;fluidly connecting a consumable to an outlet of said body;heating said body;wherein said heating comprises producing an electrical current in said body; generating a flow of air through said body to create a heated flow; and,directing said heated flow onto said consumable thereby vaporizing said active substance.

42. The method of Claim 41, wherein said heating comprises raising the temperature of said body to between 50°C and 1400°C.

43. The method of Claim 41, wherein said fluidly connecting comprises securing said consumable to an object selected from the group consisting of a platform, a chamber, a receptacle, and a combination thereof.

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